Replacing the head gasket on my MK1

[arblunt]

The Head gasket has gone on my 2.5di engined mk1. It was blowing exhaust gases through the cooling system, so I am in the process of taking it apart to replace the Head gasket.
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You can see there was allot of sludge and sooty deposits in the inlet manifold. I have since cleaned it out, a very messy job. I have disconected the exhaust and all the fuelling lines. So I am just waiting for the rain to stop so I can get the head off. Maybe this weekend.

If anyone has any advice please don't be shy, the last head gasket I did was on a Kawazaki GPz 305, this is a little different I noticed .

I'll put some more pics up when I have some.

[Luke]

that brings back memorys and that bit of wood/bonnet stay looks like the same one i fitted

as far as tips - it's easier than a GPz

[arblunt]

I noticed it was colour coded.

[arblunt]

Well it was dry enough today to get a couple of hours on the van.

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Note the water in the second cylinder.

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The head now free from the block.

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What is currently under my hood.

[MrMPuk]

You don't need to use the URL when putting images with the [img] tag around them.

[arblunt]

You're right, my mistake.


The van showing its new blue stripes.

[Luke]

looking well mate

glad the hubcaps have gone i always intended to put the proper mk1 wheels on it (painted white with chrome hub caps) but they wouldnt fit on the front becasuse of the mk3 calipers so i was gonna get a shim made up abut 5-6mm to allow them to fit

[FredTransit]

Nice looking Mk1 there (shame about the head gasket, but looks like you are sorting thet. Would that LDV mirror be better further back? The Mk2 has the mirror at the back of the wing. Up to you but you might see more.

[arblunt]

I am not a massive fan of the big plastic mirror, but it is effective and removal would leave a hole in the wing. I think I'll leave there for now. I have plans to fit a reversing camera at some stage so may rethink the mirrors then.

[arblunt]

I have got it all back together again. It is driving well with all the overheating issues resolved. It does feel a little more responsive as well. That could be due to all the sludge and soot I’ve cleaned out of the inlet or it could be in my mind. Still I am pleased with how the repair went.