After 10 months we're starting the come back

[AdVenture]

As some may remember 11-27-12 my van was down due to a head Gasket seal causing over heating. My B.S. Mechanic had given up on my car and after getting frustrated I decided to get another car but I wasn't giving up on my Venture. Jan 2013 I got myself a 2011 Volkswagon Jetta 10 months later....the rebuild.

Apparently My Dad's wife has a brother who's a mechanic. All I have to do is pay for parts and a small fee for labor. Soooo, everything is currently apart and I'm sending the heads to a machine shop to get cleaned up. The Machine shop is charging me $125 to do the set with a same day turn around.

My question is what else should I take care of while this thing is apart?

[Tech II]

Do a tuneup...easy to get at the rear plugs and replace the wires....

Replace thermostat, easy to replace with the lower intake out....

Replace the dummy distributor shaft seal...easy with no intake/throttle body above it....

Replace the lower intake bolts....

Remove the pre O2 sensor and look at it...check for greenish tinge or carbonning....replace if evident....easy to get at with head off...

Replace the head bolts.....

Make sure block ends are clean and properly install the bead of RTV on the block ends and in the corners so it overlaps the lower corner of the intake gaskets......

Use the proper sequence and torque on the bolts.....

Do not mix the push rods....the exhaust push rods are longer.....

Replace belt if necessary....

Also a good time to do a coolant flush.....

Good luck....

P.S. If coolant mixed with the oil, naturally you change the oil and filter before starting the car........I let it start and run and after the car has reached normal operating temp, I like to drain oil and change filter to remove any residual coolant that may have been in the system.....most don't do this....I do.....

[AdVenture]

So far so good on "Operation Restore Heart Beat" All gaskets have been replaced, Parts cleaned up and refinished, Flush complete, Thermostat replaced, Coolant level sensor replaced, oil change, new spark plugs.

Here's the thing... The "Low Coolant" light shows up then goes away periodically, and the check engine light stays on. We tried unplgging the battery to see if it would "reset" but they still appear. Any suggestions? I plan to change the one last sensor the Coolant Temp sensor. The reason I didn't change this one was because I changed it prior to the rebuild to see if that would correct the overheating gauge, clearly that wasn't the issue then. I don't plan to drive it just yet so I still have time. If the lights don't go away once we're done with replacing radiator hoses top, bottom and Coolant temp sensor. I plan to take the Van to the dealer so they can run a diagostic reading to pin point the issue.

[rkvons]

Take it ot AutoZone to get the code(s) read. Make sure the coolant level is topped off and the system was properly bled.

[AdVenture]

Apparently the Temp Guage still swings from left to right. When the heater's turned on the needle returns to the far left.

[rkvons]

So you fill the coolant system, make sure it has been bled properly and you do, or do not, loose coolant over time?

[rkvons]

So you fill the coolant system, make sure it has been bled properly and you do, or do not, lose coolant over time?

[AdVenture]

I haven't driven it yet as its been in the driveway unregistered during the 10 months. So I haven't had the chance to see what it will do on the road just not comfortable taking it out while neg symptoms exist.

[Tech II]

Check engine light staying on, means you have a code.....you can "rent" a code reader/scan tool from places like Autozone to read the code....could have left something disconnected, causing the light to be on...

As previously stated make sure air is COMPLETELY removed from the system.....also make sure your engine cooling fan comes on when temp reaches around 220F....

Low coolant light on sporadically? I think this has a sensor in the radiator on the passenger side...it may be contaminated/bad.....if coolant level is ok, and light is on, look for a rectangular sensor on the passenger side of the radiator with a two wire harness to it(near head light)...disconnect it...if light goes out, and level is ok, bad sensor....a metal clip holds it in place....

[AdVenture]

Originally Posted by Tech II

Check engine light staying on, means you have a code.....you can "rent" a code reader/scan tool from places like Autozone to read the code....could have left something disconnected, causing the light to be on...

As previously stated make sure air is COMPLETELY removed from the system.....also make sure your engine cooling fan comes on when temp reaches around 220F....

Low coolant light on sporadically? I think this has a sensor in the radiator on the passenger side...it may be contaminated/bad.....if coolant level is ok, and light is on, look for a rectangular sensor on the passenger side of the radiator with a two wire harness to it(near head light)...disconnect it...if light goes out, and level is ok, bad sensor....a metal clip holds it in place....

I just replaced it and the issue still exist.

[Tech II]

What did you replace, the low coolant sensor?

Was it in the radiator?

When you disconnected it, with key on, did the light go out?

[AdVenture]

Originally Posted by Tech II

What did you replace, the low coolant sensor?

Was it in the radiator?

When you disconnected it, with key on, did the light go out?

New
Radiator
Radiator cap
Coolant level sensor attached to radiator
Thermostat

[AdVenture]

Ok so today I let the car run for 20 min. The needle came up to the middle but the engine was so cool you could keep your hand on it. No "Low Coolant" light. But the check engine light stays on. Funny thing while in park and I push the gas peddle when I lean on it it rpm goes high and low. I tried to video tape it but the sound isn't so pronounced in the video.

[AdVenture]

Ok found the code P0440 Evap was the issue. It was as simple as changing the gas cap. Next day another code Cam sensor, then another Crankshaft sensor lol you gotta love it. Oil leak showed up it was the Half axle seal...replaced it. Still leaking...found transmission fluid leak from the pan replaced pan gasket and filter...so far no leak! I was getting kicks in the transmission I guess it turned out to be the car was low at least two to three qts due to the leak.

Next will be a wheel alignment due to a slight pull to the left. Then dealing with wiper arms.

Vehicle value $2,500... emotional attachment ....priceless (for now). Well, it also pulls my jetski cause I won't put a hitch on my Jetta.

[rkvons]

Wow! I read your last post and was feeling your pain. I have a 1998 Trans Sport Montana and I am dealing with similar issues, wondering how long it can keep having a different issue after I fix the current one. But then when you said it pulls your jet ski, that's when it hit home for me. I use mine to pull my jet ski also. The wife likes it though, because it carries a lot of stuff/people. I just replaced my fuel level sending unit and it still shows full every now and then. I will have to look at the connector under the driver's seat next. Good luck.