[Vwdiesel] leaking head gasket

[mark drillock]

It is VERY important to completely clean out the bolt holes in the block
before inserting the head bolts. Otherwise a bolt may bottom out in
coolant, oil, or debris and give a false indication of the torque value.
I use a soda straw in a vacuum cleaner hose to get all dirt and fluids
out of each bolt hole.

Of course sometimes heads warp badly and then the gaskets may leak no
matter what you do.

Mark

Forrest L King wrote:
>
> I installed a new head gasket and torqued it to spec.  I have to drive
> for 1000 miles before I turn the bolts again, but the head gasket has
> started leaking!!  Can I just tighten it down now?  or do I have to pull
> it and do it all over again?
>