Replacing Headgasket on mk1 Rabbit!

[dan]

Alright, I\'ve got foamy coolant and i\'ve been told that thats because oil is mixing with it, which would be caused by the headgasket being messed up somewhere. Now the question that I\'ve got is how involved is it to replace the headgasket? Is it something I can do in an afternoon, a weekend, what? I\'ve got the stock 1.8 gti engine, nothing fancy.

Also, while everything is apart, is there anything else that I should go about replacing? I would imagine the timing belt. I plan on getting this kit and replacing all the gaskets (might as well!)
http://www.parts4vws.com/catalog/pro...ber=026198012S

Lastly, any advice/suggestions?

[Tj Hunter]

Only thing thats some what a pain is the manifold and exhaust take off but that is really not THAT bad just annoying more than anything. It should take you about 4-6 hours I would say, maybe longer if you take your time. Since you have to drain the coolant, I would just replace thermostat and thats about it.

[OptimusGlen]

Kris did this (with me watching and sticking my hand in the way once or twice) in almost literally 20 min start to finish. But he had good exhaust mani bolts and had taken it off and put it back on 2 times in the few days prior... or something like that.

Not a huge job, good luck!

[Digital K]

taking your header off is going to suck. It\'s always a PITA, otherwise its not too big of a deal. B)

you also will have to dick with your timing...if you are really careful and set it to top dead center ahead of time, and mark your belt w/ a paint marker on the crank pulley, int shaft pulley, and cam, and put it back in the same spot....it will save you alot of time. I\'m yet to get that to work and just end up re-timing it anyways.

Post edited by: Digital K, at: 2006/12/15 17:24

[flippinvw]

Might as well do your timing belt and tensioner while you have them out/off. Get a head gasket \"kit\" which includes the rest of the misc gaskets you\'ll need like exhaust and intake manifold gaskets, valve cover gasket, etc.

Not too hard of a job. Give my bro a call if you need help