Hello;

Latest 1998, 1.9 Tdi (90 bhp) GLX issue;

Took into into Kwik Fit, as I needed an oil change and thought I'd pay their £30 rather than spend the time doing it myself. However, when they got it up on the ramp, they showed me that the bottom rear of the engine was covered in oil. Didn't want to change the oil, obviously, as thinner, newer oil would exaggerate the leak.

I haven't seen any drops on my drive, or anywhere else. The only thing I'm slightly concerned about is that I've had a coolant loss issue - the light comes on every few weeks and I have to put several litres in.

If these things are tied together, I'm concerned about the head gasket.... but can you guys illuminate me any more? Sorry not to be more specific - if I can get under there and get a photo i'll post it.

Cheers

Dave

Try taking the engine cover off of the top of the engine and checking that the breather pipe isn't broken.

My TDI PD105 had this happen and the back of the block was wet through, due to the vapours collecting ontop of the engine and running down the rear of the block.

I'd agree; oil down the back of the block is most likely a cracked breather if it's just wet, and not huge quantities.

TBH the combination of the oil AND requiring several litres of coolant every few weeks certainly sounds more like a head gasket gone than simply a breather pipe split.

A thorough external examination seems to be the first call.

Incidentally, if you remove the oil filler cap, what state is it in? Classic symptom of water jacket / oil mixing is the look of mayonnaise in the cap.

Ah, I'd missed the coolant loss; that certainly makes me think head gasket too!

The coolant housings on the side of the cylinder head above the gearbox are known to leak, with the coolant usually evaporating and the only clue that is left is a pink G12 residue.

Thanks guys...

I'll have it all checked out. I was aware of the mayonaise in the cap thing, and there isn't any at all, I'm checking several times a week. I also haven't had to top up coolant for some weeks now.. which is why I'm doubting head gasket....

I'll check out the breathing pipes. Just hoping upon hope it isn't head gasket. Surely I would see something in the oil? And would be losing more coolant?

Clutching at straws..

Dave

Ah, I'd missed the coolant loss; that certainly makes me think head gasket too!

Likewise Doh!

So how much would I be looking at for a head gasket?

And best place in Sheffield for it, should the worst happen?

Where abouts in sheffield are you from matey?

There is a skoda specialist on barbot hall industrial estate in rotherham, i think you may have a leaking sump or rocker gasket.

The skoda specialist is in a yard opposite the Thule company as your coming down the hill towards Ron Hull scrap merchants.

I'm living in Heeley at the moment, I'll see if I can get it out to Rotherham to let them have a look.

I've had another look today, and coolant level still same, with no 'mayo' under oil cap.. So here's hoping. I had a rocker gasket go on a Passat I used to have, so if it were that, no big deal..

Cheers..

Maybe the case that the bolts may have worked loose a little, but highly unlikely.

Just hope that it is something simple for you matey, i've not actually used the garage. But seen the adverts for it.

Get the head gasket tested along with the rest of the cooling system.

Oil leak could be the cam cover gasket (fairly common).