knackered engine?

[nathanbewsher]

Having a bit of a nightmare: recently had the golf in for a new headgasket, and they replaced the alternator and the radiator at the same time. Everything was running well for about a week, and the oil temperature went shooting up, and coolant light started flashing. Had a look in the expansion tank and its full of pepper sauce, and there's no heat coming out of the blowers either .

The question is; can fix this without spending a fortune (already spent £600 on the previous repair, and the car is only worth £1500 max), or has something expensive broken again? The guy at the garage said that there might be some gunk coming out of the system, but this looks knackered to me. If it has got major problems, would it be better so sell it as a non runner, or get an engine transplant? Does anyone know how much it would cost to have an engine transplant if I provided the engine?

Ps. the fella at the garage that did the work is reputable, and we have used him often in the past, and has always provided a good service.

>> Edited by toast boy on Sunday 19th February 16:20

[victormeldrew]

Sounds like the headgasket has gone again; it probably had a warped head and wasn't checked by whoever replaced the gasket. I'd be taking it back to be done properly if I were you. The heads should have been skimmed.

[toast boy]

the head was skimmed, im pretty confident the job was done properly, we have been using the guy for years. it does seem like the head gasket has gone again though, not sure how/why though, have been driving super sensible lately, and everything seemed well

[MartinD]

victormeldrew said:

Sounds like the headgasket has gone again; it probably had a warped head and wasn't checked by whoever replaced the gasket. I'd be taking it back to be done properly if I were you. The heads should have been skimmed.

Yep, what VM said , If it is a warped head then it should only cost you for the skimming, NOT for any of the work because that was the garages mistake no matter how reputable

EDIT after TOAST BOY reply
Still down to them to rectify, could be not torqued up properly/not new head bolts if needed etc.etc.

>> Edited by MartinD on Sunday 19th February 17:11

[pdmotors]

It could be that the head gasket has gone again, but vw's have a habbit of blowing cold when the water pump is knackered. This would also explain overheating and gunk due to the engine sweating. Just strip off the timing casing (lower), there should be some evidance of seapage if this is the case. N.B, this is a common fault mate.