Head gasket problems (part 2)

[sbloxxy]

I mentioned in a previous thread in mid October that I thought I had head gasket problems on my S2. I'm sitting here feeling sorry for myself because I still haven't got my car back from the garage fixing it - almost 9 weeks later. The owner of the garage suffered one illness after another and weeks have turned into months. Anyway, it was indeed a head gasket problem - the head had massive corrosion problems causing fairly major pitting to the alloy, and the gasket itself was eaten through in at least 6 places. When I say major pitting, some of the corrosion craters in the head were 7 or 8mm deep. I would guess some previous owner has either used cheap antifreeze or no antifreeze. Its just been repaired by a local specialist who has alloy welded the head and then skimmed it, effectively repairing the damage. Fingers crossed I'll have it back for Christmas...
Anyone else had corrosion like this?

 

[Diver944]

I don't recall anyone ever posting a similar problem, but I have long heard the stories that incorrect or poor antifreeze will cause corrosion and possible gasket problems. Yours is the first I've heard that could well have suffered from this.

Remember folks, change your antifreeze at least every two years like the handbook says.

9 weeks without your car, pah thats a drop in the ocean (mines been gone 23 weeks now [])

 

[berg944]

What about the red stuff, It says 5 yr protection.

Mike[:'(]

 

[sbloxxy]

I first reported this problem problem in October 2005 and at long last today (22nd August 2006), I have only just got my 944 S2 back. Absolutely crap service from the garage concerned, though it runs really, really well now.
In the end, the cylinder head was repaired and a new head gasket set fitted. Every belt was changed and everything else was inspected and cleaned before replacement; one new injector was also required. Needless to say, the oil and filter were changed and new anti-freeze used.
The whole nightmare has been a saga of epic proportions.
Mind you, I forgot how nice a decent 944 S2 is to drive though: lovely predictable handling compared to my 964.

 

[Guest]

Good to hear you 've got your car back. Enjoy!

Funnily enough(or not) My S2 is going in for repairs for a likely head gasket failure soon, what were your symptons?

Heres a more detailed description of my S2 woes,if your interested.

http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=224616

 

[sbloxxy]

Actually there were no symptoms which is a bit scarey. One day it just overheated and a pressure test indicated head gasket failure. It was only when the head came off that the full extent of the head corrosion was apparent.
The final bill was over £1300 but that included new handbrake shoes, a new MOT and a gearbox oil change.