Ta Daah!

[psilosimon 8]

Hoof ukin ray! after five months of headache, scuffed knuckles, blown budget, problems - more problems, breaks, leaks, arguments, stress, the VR is back together.

Took her for test drive today, all is well, (may have to get a jubilee clip rather than a spring clip on one hose).

[daveyboy 897]

Nice one mate. Ive had mine a year and a half now and ive only drove it once, when I bought it. It's been off the road while ive been doin various bits to it including smoothing everything on the body which is resulting in a full shoot next weekend. So hopefully I'll be in the same shoes as you the weekend after it gets painted. Can't wait to take it out

[Woodyman84 3]

Nice one. Now try not to break it haha.

[Lukey. 381]

Glad to hear you're back up and running

[VR6Pete 1,455]

Good to hear its on the road another one saved hehe you going bring the old girl to the rolling road day?

[psilosimon 8]

Update after a couple of weeks of driving. The engine runs smooth, quiet and pulls strong. Better for having the valves re-cut. The replacement aux water pump actually works and does its ten minute cut-off cycle. Sadly though, there is a very slight coolant seepage from the belt side of the head gasket

I may have cooked it slightly when I first started it up - I added the coolant via the expansion tank which created an air lock. I think the pressure may have initially buggered the gasket. Either that or the block isn't flat. The head was skimmed so that should be ok.

I refilled the coolant via the top thin hose using a funnel after I had the crack pipe issue (see post).

It's not enough for urgent attention but it niggles me. My thoughts are; option 1 - smear some silicon sealant around where the leak is, option 2 - try tightening down the head bolts a tad, option 3 - head off again and put in a Victor Reinz.

Also I have started to get creaky steering, I don't know where the noise is coming from. It could be a worn steering rack. I need to check all is tight after replacing top mount bushes.

[VR6Pete 1,455]

Bummer. You always get these teething problems, never heard if a block not being flat though, did you torque head bolts as per sequence and torque?

What make of gasket have guy got on?

If its any consolation, I thought I was done with my corrado, turns out mines burning oil, possibly valve guides, rack is buggered and need new exhaust lol.

[psilosimon 8]

I torqued the head in sequence 1: 33ft/lb, 2: 40ft/lb, 3: 90 degrees, 4: 90 degrees. Then after finding steam escaping after said airlock incident I tightened them up another 45 degrees. I'm scared of over tightening them if I go again.

The gasket I used was a Danish version. Maybe it was false economy. You live and learn!

[Daverse 175]

I wouldnt tighten the head bolts anymore, your given the exact torque sequence for a reason. Might be worth trying some steel seal in there or rad weld e.t c?

[Lukey. 381]

That's the correct torque sequence, did you tighten them up in the correct order too?

[psilosimon 8]

Yes did the sequence, I even marked each bolt with a blob of paint so I got the correct 90degrees. It's not a bad leak so I'm not gonna worry for the minute. At least now though I know what to do.

[Dave_ciw 507]

I know it might be a stupid question but did you use new bolts? Would be strange for a cast block to warp as Pete says, could just be down to the gasket mate although I do feel for you. Nothing worse than putting in the effort and standing back thinking its all done only for something else to crop up and piss you off!

I guess we are all use to it by now its just vr6 ownage!