Audi Logic

What are symtoms of a failing head gasket?

moribundman

You'll know when it has blown. ;-)

Symptoms of a failing head gasket may also include oil or coolant leaking from the headgasket. So keep an eye on oil and coolant level and watch for unusual consumption. If coolant gets into the oil, you'll likely experience an increased "oil" level. Coolant and oil don't mix well, but if they do you'll see "cappuchino" and maybe foam on the dipstick.

Audi Logic

also coolant is slowly disappering over a the last month or so..

oil! hell thats another story, I fixed all my leaks a few months ago only to have another bad leak some where.. I think its the valley pan and the cap on the pass side vale cover but I have not narrowed it down as yet...
I have not seen any indication that their is coolant in the oil but oil in coolant seems to be present due to the film I mentioned

what is required to do the head gaskets ( this would be my first attempt)

moribundman

Your coolant expansion tank my be discolored due to other reasons. What coolant are you using? G11 (blue-green), G12 (pink), G12 Plus (purple) or other?

"Coolant is disappearing:"

Make sure it's not just a defective pressure cap or leaky hose/hose clamp/cracked reservoir (nipple).

When topping off, remember water alone will dilute the coolant. You need to add 50/50 coolant/water mix.

I can only recommend to look for leaks very carefully and keep and eye on oil and coolant contamination.

Head gasket replacement requires of course the TB to come out, so it's not a job you really WANT to do unless you have to. If you have to do the head gaskets, you will have to check for warped heads, you will need new head gaskets, new head bolts (updated version or Race Ware non-stretching bolts), the proper torque wrench, preferably with an angle indicator attachment, and of course, you will need new coolant.

Audi Logic

I don't see any jelly in the tank but I wonder where the film is coming from.
once the rain moves on I will double check for a coolant leak elsewhere.

moribundman

Did it feel greasy?

Compression and leak-down tests would help diagnose a leaky head gasket.

Audi Logic

it's dark and raining, I'll check tommorow

moribundman

:-P

Audi Logic

I rubbed it and it comes off like dirt but does not feel greasy on the finger

moribundman

Once the weather gets better, clean the engine thoroghly and track down the coolant leak. Until then keep a close eye on coolant color and level. Same with the oil.