Blown Head Gasket....

[Bike Muff]

Well - after loosing coolant slowly, no external leaks, misfire when starting [no code], and a new and REALLY bad smell from the exhaust, i knew something was up... No oil in coolant, some sludge in oil cap, oil catch can has more watery liquid than normal

Hoping its not a head gasket, pulled the plugs thinking i would find "moisture" in 1 or 2 of the cylinders. Instead i found a PUDDLE OF COOLANT sitting in cylinder 1.


Looks like im going to replace the head gasket. 2015 turbo, 135,000 mostly highway miles. I guess im lucky i haven't had more problems, but geez... Never had to replace a head gasket before. [i usually drive a car until it hits about 200K...]

Done venting for now....

 

[mja]

That sucks man, vent away. Do you think it's just head gasket or something more?

 

[Bike Muff]

Hoping thats all, but who knows.... you know how these things go.

I havent looked close yet, but i think i saw hairline cracks at the waste gate. Been running fine so not sure if i care at this point.

hoping the head isnt cracked. If so im probably better off replacing the motor - any thoughts are appreciated.

 

[Bike Muff]

Feel free to chime in -

I'mm thinking although the bottom end seems fine -no oil burning, etc - with 135,000 miles i am better off replacing the motor. I see used engines with the turbo for $700 - $1000 shipped. some have below 20K miles on them...

Otherwise removing the head, probably having it shaved, hoping the block is level enough, buying the timing tool kit and the head gasket kit [with all the other related gaskets] i might be into it for $500 anyhow.

Im starting to think replacing the engine is more grunt work, replacing the headgasket is more technical and leaves more chance of error.. Any thoughts?

 

[Maddmatts]

There's also the possibility of the head being cracked which usually needs liquid penetrant inspection to verify. If there is a crack, it's probably really tiny since you haven't hydro-locked.

Also, the head bolts are torque-to-yield and should not be reused. So that's another added cost to consider.

 

[mja]

+1 cracked or warped. Might look for a junkyard 1.4t head as a replacement till the current head can be decked and magnafluxed

 

[greg51]

motor

I have a motor, if your interested. that i bought to build a forged piston motor. Not going to do that now. Came from LKQ 17,000 miles. No turbo, no starter, no alt. no coil pack. $400 come get it. Youngstown Ohio 44512. greg

 

[Bike Muff]

Thanks for the offer, but i decided to get a motor locally. Found one with 15k on it. Costed more, but it was a good enough deal for me....

Its in and running great - ill post another thread about the install. Thanks everyone!