Hello,

After searching for the reason for the disappearing cooling fluid (2002 1.9tdi ASV) I got a Bergen CO2 tester.

Here are the results after a run to get the engine up to temperature and fast idled.

I poured some un-reacted chemical in the bottom half of the tester to compare the colours.

From internet research diesel cars make the test chemical go green rather than yellow in the case of a petrol engine in the presence of C02.

So I guess I have found the most likely cause of the coolant loss. Anyone care to comment?

As I need a car for work I will be after another VAG estate ( Yeti's still to expensive for me) until I have time to sort the car myself or a good independent within 80 miles Pembrokeshire.

Mark

Edited 14 July, 201114 yr by MarkyD

Some go green, not yellow - it depends on the chemistry.

A simple check is to go to the back of the car and blow some exhaust through it. What colour does it go?

if it has blown the gasket be perpared to get another head as the gasket "flaps" around and wears the head away once it starts blowing, not a bad job to do and its a good chance to clean all the egr crap out of the ports and inlet valves

Some go green, not yellow - it depends on the chemistry.

A simple check is to go to the back of the car and blow some exhaust through it. What colour does it go?

Good idea. I did this and the solution turned green. Probable head gasket it is then. Know of a good place to get a replacement head?

Looking at Elsawin it states It is not permissible to rework the cylinder head of diesel engines. So is it OK to have one of these heads skimmed if the distortion is above the Max permissible 0.1mm or damaged due to head gasket?

Thanks

Mark

You wont know how bad it is till head is removed, it might be okay but if you need it for work then pre pair for the worst might be a good idea

we have had some skimmed before now but,, the problem with skimming them is that it changes the distance between the injector and the piston bowl and also brings the valves closer to the pistons. fitting a thick headgasket will help but depending which gasket you already have (no of stamped holes in the front part that sticks out from the block/head)

probly fine tho.

Don't rely on the number of holes in the gasket. Measure the actual piston protrusion and the skim required to determine the new gasket thickness. There are companies that can supply a thicker than standard gasket if this proves necessary.

Don't rely on the number of holes in the gasket. Measure the actual piston protrusion and the skim required to determine the new gasket thickness. There are companies that can supply a thicker than standard gasket if this proves necessary.

who does extra thick gaskets pls?

who does extra thick gaskets pls?

I acquired some sheets of 0.050" gasket and have a local company laser cut them for me. 50 thou is 1.27mm and is the maximum you can go to. This is a difference of 0.07mm from a 3 hole so I wouldn't describe them as extra thick.

Someone like Wallace or Ferriday may do something off the shelf, but my guess is you would have to find a local firm that makes custom gaskets.