Volkswagen Golf - (SDI) Head gasket failure or over cautious?

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Tue 31 May 2011 10:23
Volkswagen Golf - (SDI) Head gasket failure or over cautious? - 12345oncei

I went to view an 05 plate Golf SDI over the weekend. Upon removing the oil filler cap I noticed a bit of mayo textured substance on the underside of the cap. However, it was very dark grey - not the colour I'd been led to believe typical of HGF. Dip stick looked normal.

Took the car for a short spin (barely enough fuel to get far enough for it to warm up). I know an SDI will be agricultural sounding - having owned and driven one for 8 years. However, this really did sound RUFF.

It was priced quite keenly for an indie dealer (however several interior cosmetic faults was their reason for low price).

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Tue 31 May 2011 13:01
Volkswagen Golf - (SDI) Head gasket failure or over cautious? - Peter.N.

Mayonaise on the filler cap is usually more a sign that the car has been used for short journeys and has not stayed at normal working temperature for long enough, head gasket leakage will cause loss of water, excessive pressurising of the cooling system and/or oil in the water. You need to get it really hot to do a noise comparison, sounds as thought it needs a long fast drive.

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Tue 31 May 2011 14:26
Volkswagen Golf - (SDI) Head gasket failure or over cautious? - 12345oncei

Thanks for the reply, Perhaps it had been standing for too long then.

The dealer literally had fumes in the tank which meant I could not do as intended - which was to take it far and fast enough for it to warm up.

Hmmmm.

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