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Head gasket maybe. Water leak definitely.


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Well it's only two years and 7,000 miles since I refitted the head on my 300TDi following a piston replacement and bore honing. I have been wondering about a few little drops of water that started to appear at the back of the engine. I have been trying to tell myself that it's condensation as my garage temperature follows the outside and it's been up and down recently.

This week it has warmed-up and it's dry yet there's an odd drip still. Plus it tastes of coolant.

This is what I found when I told myself to look properly for the source. I thought it might be the core plug at the back of the head but I think it's the joint between gasket and head. It isn't the heater hoses.

Is there anything other than a head removal to consider? I think I know the answer but please let me know 😕

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Is there anything else above that has coolant in it? There's a dot on the hose in the foreground, perhaps from you wiping it there, but if it made the jump all the way from the head I would be surprised!

Not getting blown back from the front of the engine by the wind?

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Don’t be so hasty, I hear you say.

Above it is the rear heater hose connection to the head. I think this might be the culprit. It is crusty and dry, from the hot block no doubt but it is worth a look and a cleanup before I delve deeper.

There is quite a film of coolant along the back of the gasket edge though.

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This is the view down the heater hose. There’s coolant around the bolt head which I think can then track around and down the back.

I will remove the hose and clean up then see after a drive.

Thanks guys  

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Yes it's promising. The camera makes it look obvious but really it isn't. A small phone (iPhone 12 Mini) can access places with x5 magnification and a short focal length, providing detail that my eyes can't get at! I couldn't see the bottom of that heater hose. 

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1 hour ago, Peaklander said:

Yes it's promising. The camera makes it look obvious but really it isn't. A small phone (iPhone 12 Mini) can access places with x5 magnification and a short focal length, providing detail that my eyes can't get at! I couldn't see the bottom of that heater hose. 

I was very impressed with the picture quality at that distance to be honest!

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The spigot has cleaned-up a little but isn't perfect. I have fitted a smaller clamp. The silicone hose is good.

I have looked for a part number for a new spigot but can't see it - and have asked Turners for advice. In the meantime I can give it a whirl and see if it has sealed. It does look as though that's the cause of my mild panic yesterday.

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Running around after aged parents today. Didn’t get a very helpful reply from Turners, just that it’s a stocked part but no part number provided. I guess Frieda thinks I should do my own research!

So I will have a look when I can for the part number. Am driving around a bit today so I will see if it’s cured for now but I will change the spigot.

@Bowie69yes I feel the silicone hoses do need more clamp force. I’ve had these on for a few years now with Mikalor clamps. This is the first problem. 

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11 minutes ago, Peaklander said:

Running around after aged parents today. Didn’t get a very helpful reply from Turners, just that it’s a stocked part but no part number provided. I guess Frieda thinks I should do my own research!

So I will have a look when I can for the part number. Am driving around a bit today so I will see if it’s cured for now but I will change the spigot.

@Bowie69yes I feel the silicone hoses do need more clamp force. I’ve had these on for a few years now with Mikalor clamps. This is the first problem. 

Read my post above ^^ I suplied the part number and a link to Turners website.

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1 hour ago, Maverik said:

Read my post above ^^ I suplied the part number and a link to Turners website.

Thanks @Maverik I missed that in my haste as I was flicking through the thread in a spare moment. 😀

Edit: ordered from Turners. Had to pay for DPD overnight which is a pain but there's no choice (I did ask). I have done a few miles today and would have checked the hose now I'm home but it's been wet all day and is no better now so it can wait.

Edited by Peaklander
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