The dots denote the thickness of the gasket. Three holes being the thickest and is important when having the head skimmed.

Although I think generally most people fit a three hole gasket as a matter of course.
 
Cheers for the help guys is there anything else I should check before putting back together I know I have to replace the expansion tank that's got a split in it from when it over heated.
 
Its a while since I did a head gasket on a 300TDi but from memory the replacement gasket must have the same number of holes as the one you remove, the thickness of the gasket is governed by the amount the pistons protrude above the block, skiming the 300TDi head is not reccomended and does not affect the thickness of the gasket.

You should also replace the cylinder head bolts if the head has been removed in the past, I think they can be used a max of 3 times. The head is NOT just torqued down it has to be tightened in 5 stages:

Stage 1 tighten until the bolts heads just contact the head.
Stage 2 tighten to 30lbs/ft
Stage 3 angle tighten a further 60 degrees
Stage 4 angle tighten a further 60 degrees
Stage 5 (M12 x 140mm bolts only) a further 20 degrees

You can buy the degree gauge in Halfords for about £20

I hope this helps

Jim
 
Cheers Jim any help is good I'm only having crack my self due to two garages quoting me almost a grand for head gasket so I told em to stick it I can't justify paying half the price of the vehicle to fix the engine so hopefully I will get it going.
 
Cheers Jim any help is good I'm only having crack my self due to two garages quoting me almost a grand for head gasket so I told em to stick it I can't justify paying half the price of the vehicle to fix the engine so hopefully I will get it going.

If you want to sell it I'll take first dibs and if you want a hand I may be able to help you
 
Alright chaps i finally got round to getting the head off the landy and it dont look good i think a new one is needed instead off me writting a essay out i took pictures so if your bored just look at my album pics ive uploaded cheers for any advice previous and advance. mick
 
i should get another engine thats not worth fixing ,needs new head ,rebore ,new pistons thats as bad as ive seen a tdi in a lot of years
 
Like james says, as an engine, that one will make a good small anchor ...
 
yeah it looks pretty f*%k+d dont it. O well best save some funds for a new engine then cheers matey for the advice. i was amazed at how easy it is to the head off on these engines though.
 
Not saying it couldn't be done, just not economically or quickly .. ;)
 
it would be cheaper with a replacment engine and just take some spares of this engine that would be sensible i know anything can be fixed but it would cost far too much for me.
 
it would be cheaper with a replacment engine and just take some spares of this engine that would be sensible i know anything can be fixed but it would cost far too much for me.

£250 to £300 for an engine if you scan ebay
 
Yeah I just had a look last night trying to find a auto one they seem pretty reasonable the prices i can't get over how bad it looked my engine my wife done a real number on it lol.
 

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