All the signs of a blown head gasket???

[Art Vanderlay]

Hi all,

Got a few questions about a t5 2009 2.5tdi.
I've had my van for about 5 years and put a few kms on it. (180,000) Never had any major problems til now.
the van has been serviced every 10,000kms since I've had it and still to this has lost no power.
At my last service the mechanic noticed small amount of oil in my coolant overflow and that it had excessive blow by. The mechanic was suggesting a blown gasket or something else major.. $$$$$
My 2nd last trip in the van. Not more then 20kms I lost a lot of water for the fist time ever. So I filled the water up and started asking questions. My last trip in the van the same 20kns I lost all water again. I have parked the van up now and trying to figure out my options..
i guess my first question is, does anyone recommend a mechanic that specialises on these vans on the nsw south coast??
i have spoken to a few local mechanics who are saying I have a blown head but are not willing to work on the rebuild, if it needs it..
Would like to get an opinion from someone who knows what they are pulling apart..

[Andrew123]

I am not a mechanic but having had two of the T5 5 cyclinders, I would be surprised if it is not the water pump.

[Bora Sport]

Also if the oil and water are mixing, if they have them, the oil and water heat exchanger that the oil filter screws onto often fails and allows the two liquids to mix.

[Rebuild]

as above, most likely the water pump.Head gasket probs are rare in these.
Check that the oil level is not up.That's sometimes where the lost water goes, depending if the pump leaks internally or externally.The water will be sitting under the oil, if it is.

You can change the pump yourself if you are good with the tools.

Art Vanderlay, you say..are you in latex?

edit: actually, just reread your post, as in "blowby", are you getting bubbles in the expansion tank with engine running? Might be head gasket then

With the engine running and under engine protection removed, is there any sign of external water leaking?
The EGR pipework to cool exhaust gasses, is watercooled also.This is known to fail also

[Seano]

Art Vanderlay, you say..are you in latex?

He's more into lycra...

Art, if you can get it to Canberra or Campbelltown then you might have a few more options in terms of technicians. As a regional owner myself, I know your pains.

[Umai Naa!!]

I'd be putting a new water pump and oil cooler in it.

Not a cheap job, once you factor in time, and all the bits and pieces needed. I do maybe one a year.

[LogicprObe]

Good to see you again, Art!

[Art Vanderlay]

Thanks for a bit of direction people. Was thinking i would have to transport the transporter to the big smoke to find the right person. Anyone know of a good mechanic in the city of canberra, wollonong or sydney?

Really want to find a specialist on these engines.

Recently had a problem with the passager window not going up and was told i was up for hundreds in parts and more in labour to replace the window motor. so i took the car home -$50 just for the bad news and few more scratches on the door panel. Read a post on here about if you turn your key to the left and hold for 4 secs the windows go up. Worked a treat.. Changed the switch and now shes good as new.

Really like this website.

Cheers
VANDERLAY INDUSTRIES
Importing/Exporting

[Seano]

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