[shmitty]

just when i thought i had everything fixed and running great, i blew the damn head gasket in my jetta.. i could smell coolant so i popped the hood and there was coolant comming out from where the head gasket is and bubbling.. and the exhaust manifold gaskets leak..when i took it apart i cant figure out how to get the exhaust manifold off because the intake manifold is in the way, i can get all the bottom and side nuts off but i cant get the top ones off because i cant figure out how to get the intake manifold off. whats the easiest way to change a head gasket and how can i get the exhaust manifold/intake/turbocharger off. its a 1.6l turbo diesel

 

[Dmez]

you can't easily replace a headgasket, the entire top-end has to come off

 

[pow3r hour]

or you can cheat like I do. I just disconnect all the wires, and the downpipe. I then take the valve cover off to get the headbolts off. Last i get a cherry picker and pick the whole top half up and slide the headgasket under. 30 min later your done

 

[shmitty]

what about the timing belt and everything.

 

[Dmez]

timing belt = all accesories/belts/etc. have to come off

 

[shmitty]

and the injectors? glow plugs? this dosent really seem like a big project.. dosent seem like its gunna take that long

 

[Dmez]

generaly the intake manifold has to come off to replace injectors
idk about this one though

never done glow plugs but if they are anything like spark plugs, get the right socket and it'll take 5 minutes

 

[shmitty]

i seemed to fix the problem. i took off the valve cover and all i did was re torque the head bolts and now its not leaking anymore.. i guess ill see how long this holds up, its been fine for 514 560 km so we'll see.

 

[Dmez]

it is possible that they came loose, however i would still suggest replacing the gasket

 

[shmitty]

they werentt loose, head bolts will stretch, i thought about it while i was in class so i thought id give it a go, i tightned each bolt about 5mm, any more and i couldnt budge it. ill only change the gasket if i absolutely have to.

 

[andreasue]

just when i thought i had everything fixed and running great, i blew the damn head gasket in my jetta.. i could smell coolant so i popped the hood and there was coolant coming out from where the head gasket is and bubbling.. and the exhaust manifold gaskets leak..when i took it apart i cant figure out how to get the exhaust manifold off because the intake manifold is in the way, i can get all the bottom and side nuts off but i cant get the top ones off because i cant figure out how to get the intake manifold off. whats the easiest way to change a head gasket and how can i get the exhaust manifold/intake/turbocharger off. its a 1.6l turbo diesel

Gasket replacement is the safest thing to do. Forgive me for posting in an old thread i just love answering this kind of quickie questions to answer.