Volkswagen Golf water in the oil

Car: Volkswagen Golf
Variant: 1400cc, specification 'S'
Model Year: 1998
Categories: Leaks & Noises
Hello,
When I checked the dipstick the other day, there seemed to be some water in the oil. I've been led to believe this is called 'mayonaissing' and is due to a cracked and leaking head gasket? One garage I called advised it would cost £400 + vat for labour alone, and might alter compression causing pistons to break, which would be more money.
Another I spoke to quoted £450 + vat for labour, but said that it's very rare for head gaskets to go on my type of car, and therefore it's likely to be some other problem.
Can anyone advise what else might be causing water in the oil, and also whether it would be wise to attempt to fix the head gasket or whatever part is broken, by myself?

Thanks in advance!
Posted: May 5, 2009 (15 years ago)
Sorry, I should add that the car isn't overheating.
Posted May 5, 2009 (15 years ago)
hi their easy fix it needs the oil coller replacing, the seals brake up causing oil/water mix, removal from underneath it has a plastic housing which looks like an oil filter housing
Posted May 5, 2009 (15 years ago)
I agree with mastertech i am changing these oil coolers on v/w and audi all the time as for some of the labour times these garages have been quoting for head gasket labour i would like to know what there hourly rate was.usually the head gaskets job on a car like yours works out about £400+v.a.t for the labour and parts required,would advise finding different garages to use
Posted May 7, 2009 (15 years ago)
My VW Golf had a similar problem, but rather than the head gasket being at fault, there were two other elements that were much easier, quicker, and cheaper to fix. They were a failure in the heat exchanger so that coolant was leaking out, and a rocker box cover that had become distorted, so that dampness could enter the top of the engine. A classic marker included the hot air blower when used to remove mist from the windscreen smelling of coolant alcohol, and the emulsified oil and water mixture appearing on the filler cap, looking like mayonnaise. One repair to the heat exchanger, and a replacement rocker box cover solved the problem. The head gasket was found to be fine, and noted as being very rare as a failure.
Posted Nov 26, 2009 (14 years ago)

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