I've got this Golf with an Alh engine, bought it a year ago with 320.000 km on it. I did a compression test then, it was like 300psi across, haven't measured it out since. Point is, I was expecting a rebuild or something like that. I've put some China Jettex .230 nozzles in it, changed the Chra on the turbo Gt1749V ( been running 21 psi for 20.000km), so it's seen some abuse.
Now, I think the headgasket is chipped. Though it's not overheating, it builds pressure in the expansion tank and spits it out ( filled with 5l of water in like 1000 km).
If I drive it gently, it doesn't spill out that much. And it's been blowing some white smoke.
I know for a fact that the previous owner didn't take care of the car, so since I bought it I was eager to take the engine apart and see what's happening there.
I'm no specialist, just a DIY 21 year old trying to learn. My only experience with taking an engine apart is my little 125cc Honda that I took apart, that worked. But it's a different kind going to this ALH motor.
Owner said timing was done at 300.000km, and honestly it seems in good shape, writting is still visible on the belt, doesn't look that worn. Can I just change the headgasket without changing the belt ? If not and I have to change the timing belt, is it worth taking doing the whole bottom end ( taking the block to a machinist, changing pistons etc ) , or should I just refurbish the head and throw in a new headgasket?
My only problem would be money, otherwhise I'd start working right now on it tbh..
Also, I'd like to upgrade my turbo to a VNT 17 maybe, should I do pd 150 head bolts? And how does that work, anyways? Do I just cut them to length using a saw, and call it good?
Now, I think the headgasket is chipped. Though it's not overheating, it builds pressure in the expansion tank and spits it out ( filled with 5l of water in like 1000 km).
If I drive it gently, it doesn't spill out that much. And it's been blowing some white smoke.
I know for a fact that the previous owner didn't take care of the car, so since I bought it I was eager to take the engine apart and see what's happening there.
I'm no specialist, just a DIY 21 year old trying to learn. My only experience with taking an engine apart is my little 125cc Honda that I took apart, that worked. But it's a different kind going to this ALH motor.
Owner said timing was done at 300.000km, and honestly it seems in good shape, writting is still visible on the belt, doesn't look that worn. Can I just change the headgasket without changing the belt ? If not and I have to change the timing belt, is it worth taking doing the whole bottom end ( taking the block to a machinist, changing pistons etc ) , or should I just refurbish the head and throw in a new headgasket?
My only problem would be money, otherwhise I'd start working right now on it tbh..
Also, I'd like to upgrade my turbo to a VNT 17 maybe, should I do pd 150 head bolts? And how does that work, anyways? Do I just cut them to length using a saw, and call it good?