Got the head off today. Only mishaps were a few studs coming out (but not breaking) and one bolt snapping in the thermostat housing. One of the head bolts at the rear was nowhere near as tight as the rest though - wondering if that as the cause of the head gasket blowing.
Gaskets on order from Paddocks, head going in to be skimmed on Monday.
Thanks for your help so far!
 
Only get the head skimmed if it really needs it, which is unlikely if it was only the blow at the back. Bear in mind you'll need a different thickness HG if it is skimmed
 
Only get the head skimmed if it really needs it, which is unlikely if it was only the blow at the back. Bear in mind you'll need a different thickness HG if it is skimmed

Head looks like this - what's your opinion?
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
 
Mine looked similar I just cleaned it up a bit and used a 12" metal rule edge to check flatness. As it was only blowing at back like mine I suspect it will be OK.
 
Got I all (almost) back together today. Stumbled at the final hurdle though - the oil pipe from the block to the bottom of the turbo is absolutely refusing to screw back into the turbo - it just spins, occasionally feels like it might be catching a thread but doesn't. Any tips or tricks?
If not, I'm guessing I'm going to have to remove the turbo (complete with manifold - turbo to manifold nuts ain't budging. Exhaust feels pretty tight where it attaches as well so that should be fun getting that apart), undo the pipe from the block, fit it to the turbo as long as the threads are ok, and reattach the pipe to the block when it's all back in place.
It was all going so smoothly...
 
Got I all (almost) back together today. Stumbled at the final hurdle though - the oil pipe from the block to the bottom of the turbo is absolutely refusing to screw back into the turbo - it just spins, occasionally feels like it might be catching a thread but doesn't. Any tips or tricks?
If not, I'm guessing I'm going to have to remove the turbo (complete with manifold - turbo to manifold nuts ain't budging. Exhaust feels pretty tight where it attaches as well so that should be fun getting that apart), undo the pipe from the block, fit it to the turbo as long as the threads are ok, and reattach the pipe to the block when it's all back in place.
It was all going so smoothly...
Bit late now but I found on the 300tdi I could leave the pipe attached there was enough slack.
 
Sorted - got the turbo oil drain pipe completely off this afternoon (28mm I believe, but I used an adjustable spanner). Taking the alternator off helped with access to get some leverage. Cleaned it up, separated the pipe from the union that goes into the block, put the union back in the block, loosely attached the pipe to the union and then was easily able to get the other end attached to the turbo. Hopefully get it all finished and back up and running tomorrow!
 
Excellent - all back up and running! Took it for a test drive and pulled over to check for any leaks. Water ****ing out from below the header tank, which turned out to be the overflow from the windscreen washer tank which I'd just filled up! At least it was nothing important...
Thanks to all for your responses and advice - it was invaluable!
 

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