Richie-Van-GTi 72 2 Cars Posted February 17, 2006 I had the inlet mani etc off over the last few days to replace the gasket, starter motor and a split hose. Anyway as I took the inlet off I noticed there are small holes (look like bolt holes) on the front face that coolant could leak from, also slotted holes between the ports with coolant as well. Is this normal as Im sure my other head didnt have these. On the plus side it does look to of had the headwork done that I suspected it hadnt, now just need to properly inspect the cam to ascertain if it is aftermarket as well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SweetBadger 94 Posted February 17, 2006 I had the inlet mani etc off over the last few days to replace the gasket, starter motor and a split hose. Anyway as I took the inlet off I noticed there are small holes (look like bolt holes) on the front face that coolant could leak from, also slotted holes between the ports with coolant as well. Is this normal as Im sure my other head didnt have these.On the plus side it does look to of had the headwork done that I suspected it hadnt, now just need to properly inspect the cam to ascertain if it is aftermarket as well. When I swapped a 1.9 into mine I noticed a similar thing, when I found out the starter motor was fooked and I had to take the inlet manifold off again! So it's probably normal... How much coolant are you talking about? I only really had a dribble coming out of the holes in mine. Seems like a bit of a bad/odd design though- surely if the inlet gasket goes between the port and the water hole the engine would start sucking water into the cylinder! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ashlee205gti 1 Posted February 17, 2006 I think you can just about see them on this one. I don't think there any cause for concern. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Richie-Van-GTi 72 2 Cars Posted February 17, 2006 it was ojnly a dribble until I leaned on the rad hose which proceeded to squirt the coolant out then once it was flowing it didnt stop till the level was too low. Easy enough to top up, just didnt know if the holes had been somehow caused during the headwork. Thanks ashlee, yes that looks the same, will breathe a sigh of relief now Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pug_life 0 Posted February 17, 2006 they are meant to be there richie Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ashlee205gti 1 Posted February 17, 2006 This is cause for concern! Previous owner must not of skimmed the head when changing the head gasket or not torqued the bolts up properly, it spat mucky brown coolant all over the engine bay. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Richie-Van-GTi 72 2 Cars Posted February 17, 2006 yes that does look like a cause for concern, just the state of the coolant looks bad. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevec205gti 0 Posted February 17, 2006 This is cause for concern! Previous owner must not of skimmed the head when changing the head gasket or not torqued the bolts up properly, it spat mucky brown coolant all over the engine bay. Have I missed the point here? Apologies if I've got completely the wrong end of the stick but it looks like water's just leaked out from under the inlet manifold? That's not the bit that needs skimming when you do a head change - it simply needs a light clean up and a new manifold gasket Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rob_the_Sparky 9 Posted February 17, 2006 Well the concern in the photo above is as much the colour of the coolant! Oh and no I can't quite see what skimming has to do with it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ashlee205gti 1 Posted February 17, 2006 The water was actually coming from the join in between the head and block, its just splashed up everywhere. Coolant was a disgrace and the radiator was promptly scrapped. You should of seen the residue left at the bottom of the header tank. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fast lane 0 Posted February 18, 2006 hi ya, just to let you know i had a new starter motor fitted by Charters, when i got it back there was a small amount of coolant comming from the inlet manafold gasket. I was concerned so took it back and they told me that the inlet manafold was cooled by water from these two holes, but in the case of mine i have a plastic inlet manafold and is not water cooled, therefore the holes are simply blocked off on mine Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fiji bob 0 Posted February 18, 2006 it should be blocked, im not sure why the holes are there unless the gti head is shared with carb models maybe? as for cooling the manifold there arent any channels in the manifold for the coolant to flow through at least not on the gti. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Richie-Van-GTi 72 2 Cars Posted February 18, 2006 my theory is its similar to the throttle body and is just there to help warm through any condenstation in the inlet manifold. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pug_ham 244 3 Cars Posted February 18, 2006 The head casting will probably be used on other Pug & Citroen models, some which will have inlet manfiold heating. They are there on all XU heads & on the GTi get blocked off by teh inlet manifold & gasket. Graham. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
