my first car

[CALAIS 6]

hey guys just got ma first car a VL Berlina series 1.I was just wondering how to prevent the head from crackin cos every time i mention i got a vl the first thing people say is watch for the head cracking.And it's making me paranoide but it so is there any tips on keepin the engine good


Cheers

[Jono_VL]

make sure ur cooling system is all good - water pump, thermostat, hoses etc.
check ur water level often and if u are losing water try to find out where from and stop it. that should help.

[VS Omega]

Welcome to the forums dude!

Check here:
bleed valve location for cooling system

[CALAIS 6]

Cheers guys the car runs perfect its just everyone is making me paranoid cos the first thing they say is watch the head cos it will carack

[STEALTHY™]

Then are prone for it, something to do with the head being lower. I've had a few VLs, and never had a problem, but as said, check all your cooling systems if your really paranoid.

[vlv8vic]

It happens because the head it higher than the top of the radiator. so if the coolant level gets even a little bit low air will build up in the head, get hotter than the coolant would and either blow the gasket or warp the head (or both).

You have to be very careful when changing the coolant over in vl6's for this reason. there are bleed points near the head you have to make use of so that coolant sits up there instead of air. you need to do this even when the water gets low. good idea to check it whenever you can and if it ever gets the slightest bit low bleed it and top it up monthly or every 1000k's or something.
averages to get this fixed if something does go wrong seems to be anything from $200 to $900, around that for a reco engine not fitted and a little less for a secondhand engine.

[BendyVL]

just treat it like ur baby, i got a VL Berlina aswell.... 369000 k's on the girl and shes stil running great... never cracked a head

[BendyVL]

It happens because the head it higher than the top of the radiator. so if the coolant level gets even a little bit low air will build up in the head, get hotter than the coolant would and either blow the gasket or warp the head (or both).

You have to be very careful when changing the coolant over in vl6's for this reason. there are bleed points near the head you have to make use of so that coolant sits up there instead of air. you need to do this even when the water gets low. good idea to check it whenever you can and if it ever gets the slightest bit low bleed it and top it up monthly or every 1000k's or something.
averages to get this fixed if something does go wrong seems to be anything from $200 to $900, around that for a reco engine not fitted and a little less for a secondhand engine.

i have done coolant in mine 3 times since ive had it and i hav had it for about 18 months... u dont need to do it once a month

[matty88]

So the smallest air bubble will blow the head?

[CALAIS 6]

hey guys just got my p's yesterday havent been out the car since.I now understand why people like VL's so much.I just recently moved out here from scotland and fell in love with the cool styling of the VL and when i saw the berlina i just had to get it.Will have to get the brakes fixed this week thou coz the way it stops rite now is just pish i rekon its just pads thou.So here's to Happy cruzin



Cheers

[vlv8vic]

i have done coolant in mine 3 times since ive had it and i hav had it for about 18 months... u dont need to do it once a month

It was merely a suggestion buddy. the guy seems worried about something going wrong. i didnt suggest drain the whole thing i suggested CHECKING IT AND TOPPING IT UP if it needs to be topped up once a month. alot of manuals for older cars would suggest checking your coolant weekly.

bendy i want this guys car to last him a while and checking the oil and water once a month isnt even enough.