I just bought a "H" reg 1.0 with the head gasket gone (which has already been replaced once) and have since noticed from having a look about that this is a common problem?!? only bought the car for £100 quid with 143000 on the clock, it's really quite tidy apart from this little problem and already love it to bits!

so all i really wanted to know is is this as common a problem as i have been coming across or is it just bad garage work or abuse? is it worth me getting the head skimmed or just chuck another gasket on?

also is there a de-cat avilable for this?

cheers

mike

:-D

There is a decat yes, and if your car is pre-01/01/1993 then you dont even need to do an emissions test for MOT so get the decat on lol. VAG does a decat as far as I'm aware (plan on fitting one myself too). My 1043cc AAU is 76k and needs a head gasket change, and was owned by a mechanic so was well kept, I'd say its not too uncommon...but thats all the info I can give you. lol

At 143k I wouldn't be surprised that the head gasket has already been done once, if not twice!

I wouldn't bother skimming the head if it hasn't got too hot. The gasket change can be done in just over an hour, so it's not a difficult job.

I don't think VAG make a decat for non-G40s - so it's custom time.

cheers for the info.. :)

Head gaskets are common as anything on Mk3 Polos, they generally last between 70 and 90k.

A steel ruler will tell you if the head's warped.