34 replies to this topic

[EdButler]

Well after moving from 4 happy trouble free, VAG abusing years, 7 days in the VX and its Dead! To cut a long story short, I decided to get it fully serviced at a garage (VAG admittedly) I know and trust as the car was on around 38k and was due a fresh slate. Spark plugs came out ok. Spark plugs 1-3 went in ok, however Plug No4's tightening cracked the head just above the thread. Cue a coolant leak in the plug barrel and about 500ml of lost coolant in one minute! After some research I’ve seen this problem has been mentioned a few times on here and other forums, however it is by no means common considering how ubiquitous this engine really is. Does anyone know if this part of the engine is particularly thin, as it always seems to happen on Plug #4. Thankfully I recently bought a 3rd party warranty for the car, which was so recent I haven’t yet got the policy details through yet! With the head being such a large job both I and the VAG garage think that a VX specialist/dealer should do the work. I have a so called “VXR Specialist” on Ecclesall Road, Sheffield nearby; would this be a good option bearing in mind my car isn’t drivable!? And no i hadnt got round to breakdown cover yet... I actually feel physically sick thinking about this so if anyone has any advice of where to go and what to do (with the warranty co maybe?) that would appreciated. I was thinking of getting the Cam Chain done in the process and perhaps thinking of getting the Cams re-profiled… Please help! Ed

[siti]

sorry to hear this mate, mine was a bit dodge the other night only a week into owning and my Engine Management light came on!! and car wouldn't rev (but was still ticking over)!! PROBLEMS!!

[n1k_ns]

This isn't going to be a lot of use to you mate but when i recently changed my sparkplugs, the old ones were a bitch to get out! I had to put loads of force on them but i took care to do it as gently as possble. My coolant tank seemed a little low this weekend, (about 1cm from the middle line), is is possible that i may have damaged the head? I did the plugs about 6 weeks ago. What are the other symptoms of a cracked head?... Sorry for the hi-jack....

[Thorney]

Symptoms of a cracked head include coolant useage and heat amongst others. Only sure fire way is to inspect it, remove it and crack test it. We've done a few now either the head becomes pourus or cracked typically through one of the plug chambers but can be anywhere really. You're looking at about £1k for a replacement (new) we've seen a few second hand ones but we crack test each one and half the time they're already shagged. Now is the time if you do want to upgrade as gas flowing etc is relatively inexepensive if you've got to remove it anyway.

[slindborg]

been looking on US websites for the GM part numbered "CNC ported head" and it looks to be $1K which isnt "awfull" if you can fit it yourself.

[luna_s]

oh great, this better not happen to me next.......... anyone know how much the saab heads are seeing that they better quality ?

[EdButler]

been looking on US websites for the GM part numbered "CNC ported head" and it looks to be $1K which isnt "awfull" if you can fit it yourself.

The cost of the head isnt a huge issue as hopefully the warranty will cover it... Although im guessung these heads need to be imported at some huge cost? Any infos of what youve found would be greatly appreciated!

[n1k_ns]

Symptoms of a cracked head include coolant useage and heat amongst others. Only sure fire way is to inspect it, remove it and crack test it.

We've done a few now either the head becomes pourus or cracked typically through one of the plug chambers but can be anywhere really. You're looking at about £1k for a replacement (new) we've seen a few second hand ones but we crack test each one and half the time they're already shagged. Now is the time if you do want to upgrade as gas flowing etc is relatively inexepensive if you've got to remove it anyway.

Aww man The plug holes did not fill with collant or anything as mentioned above, but im certain that about 1cm of coolant has gone walkies in about 2 months

What is likley to happen if it is not replaced asap?

[slindborg]

GM part number 88958619 for the "sportsman head" (google it) import costs arent "that" high, esp if you can get the sender to mark the package as warranty return parts... should avoid most import taxes..

[techieboy]

What is likley to happen if it is not replaced asap?

Worst case. Oil turns to sludge and stops circulating efficiently (or at all) with the inevitable results.

Had it happen to me years ago in a Cavalier GSi 16v. Seriously shagged the top end and was never the same after.

Edited by techieboy, 23 July 2007 - 09:53 AM.

[luna_s]

arent those heads from the states bare ? sure they are

[Adam W]

does this tend to be a problem with the turbo's more than the NA's or is it likely on either? what can be done to prevent this in the first place? other than being careful with plugs fitting/removal?

[slindborg]

umm think they come bare... no biggie if youve got a head to strip. its an N/A problem. Its down to over tightening the plugs then removing them, then refitting new ones. its best to put some sort of lube on the threads etc.

[Adam W]

umm think they come bare... no biggie if youve got a head to strip.

its an N/A problem.
Its down to over tightening the plugs then removing them, then refitting new ones. its best to put some sort of lube on the threads etc.

do the tubby's have a stronger head then?made out of slightley different material??

[drpau]

But surely as the head was cracked by them its their prob' and they foot the bill? Or does it not work like that..? Last time my car was serviced and plugs changed at TMS (by previous owner) a cracked head was discovered. TMS fixed it, cost pervious owner about 1500 quid I think.

[Pidgeon]

Ed, I do not want to be the bearer of bad news, but I would be amazed if the warranty company would cover this problem. The warranty will usually cover parts that fail in service, not when a mechanic is working on the car. Some would say the garage is negligent and should fix, but you would have to establish they used excessive force. I am also dubious of their desire to have the head changed at a 'specialist.' This is a standard Vauxhall engine and any decent garage could do the job. The only difference with the VX is access.

[Polanski]

Agreed with Alan, this is not something which has occurred, but by human intervention has occurred. I work on SLAs and IT and I wouldn't take a similair problem on from a 3rd party - I would seek resolution at origin - the garage. Paul

Edited by Polanski, 23 July 2007 - 11:51 AM.

[luna_s]

20nm for the plugs iirc,

[Thorney]

Never had a VXT head with probs. Its not just the plugs that can cause the issues.

[Winstar]

Never had a VXT head with probs. Its not just the plugs that can cause the issues.

That's because the turbo head is sand cast, where as the NA has a lost foam cast head.Sand casting produces a stronger cast material with less imperfections.

The SAAB turbo head is sand cast but I'm not sure if they'er a direct swap for the NA, dude used to run one on his race car IIRC.