So, I bought a Polo 1.6 cheap as the owner suspected head gasket failure. I didn't think there was a problem with the gasket so I bought it hoping for a quick, cheap fix.

After working on the car yesterday and today, I can 100% say the car is running perfect, and all I needed was a thermostat, stat housing and a water pump. But why? Have a look at the photos below, and post up your theories!!! (Mars bar to the winner. )

I wont add captions to the photos just yet... This could be fun. :P

Just to add, wicked sunset this evening too!!!

Let's just say Tom I replaced my plastic impeller pump with a brass impeller one.

That is pretty shocking damage, was the car driven like this for long, as if so, you may still end up with new head gasket etc?

Ummm, crack in the sump? no no ignore that... ummm, flange sprocket come off?? no no, stupid me... No! give up.

Whats a flange sprocket? PMSL Jase!!!

It overheated in traffic, was towed home by RAC. The ex owner then had the stat changed (the mechanic that did this deserves to be shot, sued etc ), was driven 15 miles for it to boil over again. Towed home and then thats where I come in!

The engine runs sweet, and the AEE is bulletproof - well known for doing 250k miles+. It doesnt need a new head gasket, but even if it did its under £20 for a change.

Looks like the plastic part of the thermostat has broken and the resulting bits have travelled round the system and jammed the water pump impeller causing it to break off the spindle leading to the usual VW cooling system failure.

Do I get the prize?

Looks like the plastic part of the thermostat has broken and the resulting bits have travelled round the system and jammed the water pump impeller causing it to break off the spindle leading to the usual VW cooling system failure.

Do I get the prize?

Nearly there!

Too late a winner already via MSN

Bugger - it wasn't me.

nobody has quite got it right though (imo of course)

Spill the beans young Tom

A flange sprocket is a figment of my vivid imagination.

The thing that made me laugh most, was that the mechanic who "fixed" it, just put another stat in. Didn't he wonder where the other one was? Didn't he wonder why it didn't seat properly? Muppet.