How VW Parts Fail ~ 2.5L Head Gaskets

On this episode of “How VW Parts Fail” we are looking at the failure of the 2.5L cylinder head gasket. The head gasket can be thought of as one of the most important gaskets in an engine. Today we talk about what a head gasket is, what it does, and how it fails.
For full show notes visit the blog at humblemechanic.com/?p=5735
Sponsor of the day ~ shopdap.com
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Join me today as we break down:
What is a VW head gasket?
What does a VW head gasket seal?
Where is the head gasket located?
How does the head gasket fail
Symptoms of a failing head gasket
Diagnosing a failing head gasket
Is replacing a head gasket a DIY?
Good news about failing head gaskets
and more
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[@LynxStarAuto]

It's has been over 2 yrs since Charles made this video. Number of 2.5 head gaskets I have done since then... 0, 🍩🍩 😎

[@HumbleMechanic]

I have only seen 2 in my 13 years with VW. I think maybe 5 head gaskets total.

[@LynxStarAuto]

HumbleMechanic i live in Miami, Fl. Weather here is much more unforgiving to cooling system failure than other parts of the country. That said, can't say I have ever done any kind of serious mechanical repairs to the 2.5. Most I've done is a noisy timing chain, due to low oil levels. 1.8's tho, I've done dozens of head gaskets on those.

[@thingsandstuff6822]

i got one, but it was driven without coolant for a while sooo

[@marcosmartin7618]

What’s a common 2.5 problem brother if you don’t mind me asking ? I own a 2012 Jetta 2.5 n has P2450 n need help primo

[@spicecd]

I'm here because the head gasket on my 2012 VW Jetta SE 2.5 needs to be replaced.

[@ChrisRei7z]

I just replaced a 2.5 beetle head gasket. also was cracked at cylinder 1. My boss was also shocked to see it needed a head gasket haha

[@PantherU]

What the hell did you do to make that happen? Were you hitting the head around with a mallet?

[@carlsaiyed1097]

Great description of what a head gasket is!

[@cosmicmirror1320]

My 19 year old in market buying her first car (VW with prejudice) anywho I had to explain to her that the car she was interested in only needed a replacement head gasket. Had to school her and I appreciate your support in this Charles... i love u man . I'll always be loyal to you. U can get it across in ways that other wanna b VW nobody's

[@cosmicmirror1320]

So now she's on the hunt again.

[@drdremd]

I lost one on my modified ALH. Wish I had tightened head bolts BEFORE pulling everything, I had 2 of the stretch bolts that were finger tight( or is that finger loose?). Motor had 300k. Symptoms were increased coolant temps when I beat on it (200f Max) and 0.2% coolant in the oil according to Blackstone labs. I never had to add coolant or any oil between OCI's. Motor is now 30K in to new head gasket and is problem free.

[@nickolastiguan]

i want a VW even more now, they way they cheated EPA was genius lol

[@lolzlarkin3059]

+nickolastiguan I heard that, but don't know any of the details. What happened exactly?

[@HumbleMechanic]

+lolz larkin Look for tomorrow's show!

[@nickolastiguan]

lolz larkin www.topgear.com/car-news/insider/big-vw-emissions-scandal-your-questions-answered some good points here

[@zitop4009]

Looks like my 2006 VW Jetta has a blown gasket. When I replaced the PCV Valve cover noticed a milky oil coolant mix solution found on cylinder 1 when I removed the spark plugs and on the oil cap. What is y’alls take on the head gasket sealents? i.e. Bars head sealer, etc.

[@mauriciosandoval4482]

I have a 2007 2.5 Jetta I heard on one of your videos that it’s a common issue with the head gasket

[@isaacquintana15]

I have a 2006 jetta 2.5 gas enginr btw and can the coolant flange cause white smoke out of the exhaust ?

[@osvaldo8393]

Good info man, awesome video

[@PSN_MICKSTA]

Great , just what needed to see 👍

[@mujjuman]

i learned a lot. thanks

[@thatrealcarguy]

what I am doing is trying to decide if I should spend the money and time tearing the head off. The car has overheated two different times by the other owner. is it worth me trying a head gasket or should I go find another one eight turbo awp heads and replace the whole motor

[@raula.h.chagoya8526]

You r thevman bro! Good job.

[@V10PDTDI]

I Never had to replace any gasket on 2.5 L engine actually I never removed the head on one yet but I replaced quite a few 1.6 L Diesel engine head gaskets for oil in the coolant or oil in the front of the block and some ALH TDI for cylinder pressure in the the cooling system.

[@brandonbradley5029]

Just had a 2012 2.5 come in. Has coffee for coolant. First one to come in like this for me since this video posted. Lol

[@fontcaicoya5686]

Now I've got an issue I THINK might be related to this? I blow white smoke after long distance drives - I'm talking over 200 miles. It only happens during those drives. I commute about 30-40 miles a day and it's never happened. The car does it after I exit a highway and decelerate below 50 mph. Belches smoke for about 10 seconds and then goes back to regular operation. Any clues?

[@walterhassard8257]

My 1995 t4 with 40k tests 150 psi in all cylinders. And yet I consume a quart about every 700 miles. Can an engine with good compression get blow by. I never heard of head gasket failure causing oil burning but this is what you imply. Correct?

[@boomerguy9935]

Good to know that I have a good gasket on my 2008 VW Rabbit 2.5 CBTA engine! I will sleep better tonight.

[@LasVegasVet]

Good day. Thank you for the videos.. Looking for engine torque specs for 2013 vw jetta she 2.5.. Oreillies can't order an dealership won't say

[@xlightssx]

Hi all, I have a 2.5l with low compression on cylinder 2. Dry 80 psi, wet 130. Does any one have any ideal what this could be? Stuck ring? Also the car only misfires at idle. I can go weeks with no check engine light, but if I idle for more than 5 minutes. Then check engine light will start to flash and then eventually stay on. No blue smoke, only a slight hesitation every 3 seconds at idle and some what of a popping exhaust at hesitation. ???

[@nelsonc4677]

I have a client. States she never overheated the engine....idk. But, misfire cyl1 cold start only maybe stumbles 6-7 seconds. I looked at the oil and it seemed ok, smelt acidic. Performed an oil service as she was past due. She came back due to a not starting. I went to her and the car started right up. Oil it to the shop and left it overnight. Cold Started right up again with the slight stumble. I used a fluid “sniffer” test on the cooling system and failed right away. Oil was milky as well..... looking at a head gasket...

[@russwilson2182]

Thank you for putting together, great info. I have 2008 Jetta 2.5L with 120k miles. Would it be advised to change the timing chains at the same time?

[@HumbleMechanic]

yeah thats not a bad idea if youre this far. You are pulling the transmission on it for the whole chain setup

[@russellwilson530]

@@HumbleMechanic I might try and get buy with just removing the upper chain. To ensure there is the right tension on the chain is there a took i would need? I sounds like there is some kind of tool that applies preload to the exhaust cam sprocket. Is that accurate? I am not finding any info on chain replacement. Even the Bentley book is missing it. Thanks for the help.

[@audimattro]

Well, I came here just to get your thoughts on VW 2.5 head gasket failures, and when you said that these failures are very rare, that instantly made me feel better. Now, if I can figure out why and where I'm losing a little coolant in my MK5 Jetta....

[@HumbleMechanic]

It actually can be the head gasket. I have seen a couple, but it's very rare. I got the car hot, then pulled the plugs and you could see coolant leaking into cylinder 1.

[@RailTime1786]

Where are the 2.5l and the auto transmission made in?I have a rabbit mk5, the VIN says the car was manufactured in Wolfsburg. However, any country outside the US do not get the 2.5l. Thanks.

[@tacoeatingzebra]

I still have the window sticker from my 2010 and it says that it was assembled in Wolfsburg and that the 2.5 is from Mexico and the auto transmission from Japan.

[@thatrealcarguy]

have you had any 1.8t head gasket go bad!? I have a 1.8 T 2003 Jetta 102 k there is exhaust gases in the cooling system. but I have never heard of a 1/8 Turbo having a bad head gasket

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Danny Storto the only ones I've seen were driven while overheating.

[@owenosborne8543]

I have a 2011 jetta 2.5 that had a blown head gasket. I ocnstantly had a issue with misfires and nobody could diagnose the issue. I submitted a oil sample to a lab and they told me I had a high amount of coolant chemicals in my oil which indicated a head gasket leak. Took it in to the shop and sure enough, it was a leaky head gasket

[@jose15238]

I Will be doing a carbon buildup removal on my Fsi this weekend, Any tips or things i should pay close attention too? is it possible to wiggle out the injectors out without the vw special tool? Thanks

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Gli_Fahrenheit I have never used the factory removal tool for the injectors. But you will need it to replace the seals.

[@jose15238]

Awesome! Thanks ! HumbleMechanic

[@mixmasterpax]

My 2009 5cylinder Rabbit just blew its head gasket, dang...

[@willfaulconeer]

Dear humblemechanic would a 2.5 L from a Passat automatic fit in a EuroVan remember those had the bad Transmissions that were very expensive

[@justinthematrix]

Had my whole engine replaced after I bought a used 2013 Passat. Previous owner or the dealer put head gasket sealer in the radiator. Blew my engine after having the car 2 months

[@MrS22222]

Stop leak really gunks stuff up, what a knucklehead.

[@justinthematrix]

Mr S she runnin great now with my fancy new engine though :)

[@VikashPatel-qg3gv]

Hello!, I am looking at purchasing a 2008 jetta se with about 77k miles in California. What are the 10 to 15 common issues that I definitely need to check out on this car as im buying from a private party

[@jimyeo7331]

Vikash Patel timing belt

[@MrS22222]

You wanted a list of 10 things from KZbin? Good luck.

[@edijsbarops5750]

Is there any way to send an email with a question about my T5 2004 2.5 TDI problem? Cannot undesrtand the cause of it

[@HumbleMechanic]

We never got the 2.5 TDI in the US. I’m not sure how much help I’ll be.

[@aymanelminyawi9032]

Humble mechanic , I have a 2013 Volkswagen Passat v5 , 2.5 l and what you described verbatim has happened to my car at 128 k miles . After the 3rd mechanic (Volkswagen dealership ) did a pressure test and found nothing they did as u said and took out a park plugs and saw coolant mixing getting into cylinder . I have done every maintenance on this car needed and I was alerted of this when my check engine light went on with no coolant at all in the reso voir . I never saw a puddle or anything and there was white smoke Coming out of my muffler only that day . I added coolant and monitored and it remained at the perfect temperature and operated fine but a week or so later the engine shook at start (contaminated spark plug) and I lost some (not all) coolant as well as saw white smoke again when the car started . Is there anyway this can be something besides the head gasket since the Dealership never was able to actually See where it leaked from ? Also, what else should I change if I am doing this job on my car ? I have literally all original parts minus one valve Cover gasket repair . Is this worth it fix on a passat with 128k Was there something I did wrong or could have prevented to have this not happen ? Was this something that could have happened even directly after a service ? Are there any good gasket stop leak products out there or so they all damage your engine You mentioned this is not a common problem but my Volkswagen has been incredibly finicky with a broken AC compresser at 70k , entire new suspension system at 100 k , faulty airbag sensors , clock spring etc . Anyone who can answer these questions thank I aoucj car is ten years old but I am sole Owner and she is my baby as much as I hate the maintenance it drives better than most cars

[@TOPTRADER007]

Is this Prone on Golf 6 Or Sportwagen Golf 6 2.5L?

[@HumbleMechanic]

Only seen it on mk5.

[@69johnnymitch]

I have a 07 vw jetta 2.5. From cold start the temp gauge pegs out. Can you tell me if its a head gasket or its a water pump issue or other?

[@HumbleMechanic]

That’s odd. If it does it right away, it almost has to be electrical

[@69johnnymitch]

@@HumbleMechanic other symptoms of start up include, no quick start up when it it pegs out the engine sputters and dies or almost dies. When drove 2-3 miles it normalizes then stays in the mid range.

[@69johnnymitch]

@@HumbleMechanic just wondering if you have any ideas

[@nck5t]

@@69johnnymitch mine did the same thing it’s probably your coolant temperature sensor easy to change and it’s like 15$ on amazon

[@randyhicks9034]

do you know if they make a supercharger for my 2.5 b7 Passat (2013). I cant find a whole lot for this car.. Every other make that year has tons of mods... I don't want to sell it I love the half stroke of the 5cyl. So Far I have - A actual cold air intake - DYI Cat back only Increased in diameter a half inch - A sprint pedal booster (highly recommend for this car in particular...) - Throttle Body spacer - Race coil overs - I really don't want to turbo it as it is slightly harder on car) If u know anyone who fabs them please let me know and Whats your opinion on what to do next. And I don't want to chip it until I force induct it.

[@HumbleMechanic]

I think there are a few turbo set ups people use for Golfs. It may be very similar. Never seen any SC kits

[@gregpapagno5683]

Does the 5 cylinder have a timing belt or chain?

[@ryanodom88]

chain

[@Jettrap505]

I think my head gasket may be leaking out from the timing chain side I'm hoping it's just the chain cover

[@HumbleMechanic]

most likely just the cover

[@Jettrap505]

@@HumbleMechanic I do hope so it's leaks alot

[@AamirZ]

This caused by General age of temperature cycles?

[@ryanjames170]

+A2892Z i think a buch of things cause them to fai

[@Jacksonkellyfreak]

Was the AFP engine a paper gasket or metal?

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Jacksonkellyfreak metal. Using the AFP on the AAA is really common. I used that AFP on my Cabby.

[@Jacksonkellyfreak]

+HumbleMechanic Oh good. I'm about to do my timing chains and I was debating on "well, while I'm that deep into it.." but I think I'll just leave it be. It isn't leaking or anything.

[@janicerowe9402]

Have 2012 Volkswagen Touareg with 153k miles. The headgaset needs to be replaced ,confirmed by dealer and another certified shop, both mechanics are saying it can't be fixed and the only way out is to get a used engine that cost $12k! still owe on the car so this is a huge financial loss, do you have any suggestions?

[@HumbleMechanic]

What happened to it? Those are pretty stout engines.

[@janicerowe9402]

@@HumbleMechanic they are saying because the head gasket is gone and the miles are too high, they won't stand behind fixing it. They have to pull apart the engine to fix it and will most likely have to replace other parts.... it doesn't add up to me but 3 different places are saying the same thing. So stuck with a car payment and wont get much for the car if sold. . Everything else is fine with the car... are their other options you can suggest?

[@kiroshi6414]

Janice Rowe are they saying that the block is warped?

[@MrS22222]

The 2.5L has a pretty beefy head gasket, I'd say something terrible has to happen for them to go bad. My bet is driving without coolant or a dead water pump is the cause for the majority of the failures.

[@wandameadows5736]

In other words insane neglection. That's why they created "Limp Mode". I think most car issues are from people ignoring maintenance. There's usually recalls for things out of your control.

[@MrS22222]

@@wandameadows5736 aside from the occasional assembly goof or electronic gremlins/normal wear; yeah, the majority of problems are cause by neglect or misuse. I wouldn't fault anyone for having a failing water pump though, those can be really finicky and they can't be seen just opening the hood (on this engine).

[@gglovato]

finally a VW part that doesn't breaks like an old lady tripping :D :P

[@alsharifhusain]

Do you recommend to buy 2020 Passat?

[@lynxstarautomotive208]

If you don’t mind the outdated design (off center steering), great platform. But it is dated.

[@alsharifhusain]

@@lynxstarautomotive208 what year us off center steering?

[@lynxstarautomotive208]

@@alsharifhusain In the US? All Passats continue to us the off center steering because they are all B8 chassis still.

[@89Ayten]

2012 2.5 with 130k, no head gasket leak.

[@edgardogl2]

What about now?

[@MrS22222]

@@edgardogl2 it is a lot less common on these engine than they used to be. I have one at 150k, no signs of leaking.

[@dishsoap8428]

2011 2.5 with 137k. No issue whatsoever. Water pump was jacked though.

[@momsmushroomsjodyfoster5786]

I was driving a VW Jetta today when it suddenly began to shutter and lose compression. I whipped off the road and a giant cloud ☁️ of white smoke began pouring from the exhaust.

[@T2Media.]

My wife ran her 08 rabbit with no coolant and overheated it bad. Now it smokes white, I’m thinking that’s the issue

[@HumbleMechanic]

possible.

[@stevewilson7857]

Get a new wife

[@Jettrap505]

How likely would I see an oil leak from the timing change cover

[@HumbleMechanic]

Not sure common on the 2.5. The valve cover is more common

[@Jettrap505]

@@HumbleMechanic it doesn't seem to be the valve cover that's clean the oil leak is pooling on the gear box and I've already ruled out the vac pump with a deleat

[@lynxstarautomotive208]

@@Jettrap505 I’ve seen timing covers leak on higher mileage 2.5’s, but honestly, seen the delete kits leak right out of the box. Those delete kits suck. Just replace the pump or reseal it!

[@TheCumminsturbo2]

2.5 is a awesome little engine to bad it’s gone

[@HumbleMechanic]

One of VWs better modern engines

[@TheCumminsturbo2]

@@HumbleMechanic yep fun to drive sound amazing and simple and durable

[@PernellDD]

ahhhh just got a 2.5L with a shit gasket, I know the car overheated on the owner, then started smelling coolant in the exhaust and now this, no compression and coolant in 1-2-3 cylinders. First one I see fail in SEVERAL years working on VW's and Audis. However, I have heard of a few 2.5's with failed HG's. Time to take this bish apart.

[@olsmokey5256]

Advanced job ,, cams, timings, crammed under the hood,,

[@skylinefever]

Sometimes a cylinder head will crack and the symptoms are exactly the same as a failed head gasket. This is why it is essential to take the head to an automotive machinist's shop to test for cracks, and to have the sealing surfaces milled clean.

[@acvolkswagon099]

Where is my coolant going

[@stevewilson7857]

Out the exhaust

[@HeirsOfTheMostHigh]

I hate when you talk without showing it ,its like your talking to self or just showing off that you know what your talking about... some videos are flawless

[@HumbleMechanic]

This video is several years old. Back when I had to grab pics/video super fast at teh dealer. I wish I could have done a better job on the other videos

[@zacharyzooshorion]

Give us the head gaskey repair tutorial, not a cheesy video on what a head gasket is. Lol Anyone who doesn't know, won't pay attention to this anyway. Derp