26-02-2015, 10:22 PM
Should prove to be a tough engine then. Am I right in saying the original 'paper' type gasket was replaced with a PTFE one? I too would rather HG failure. There are signs of failure, and damage isn't immediate, whereas with a snapped belt you'll be lucky to have a top end left as it will nearly always go at higher RPM.
The head gasket was a worry in that Alpina I had. Early models used a organic gasket unlike the stronger ones of later years. It was hard to tell if mine had the later one or not, and the mileage was ticking on. A 4.6 litre V8 meant that it was an engine out job, and would cost £2000 to fix minimum... OUCH!
I think the Gti 180 engine has several possible problems. I've heard it's not as strong as the XU10, although Welshpug, adam b and chris bowen know much more than me. IIRC Belts are once again the main issue.
The head gasket was a worry in that Alpina I had. Early models used a organic gasket unlike the stronger ones of later years. It was hard to tell if mine had the later one or not, and the mileage was ticking on. A 4.6 litre V8 meant that it was an engine out job, and would cost £2000 to fix minimum... OUCH!
I think the Gti 180 engine has several possible problems. I've heard it's not as strong as the XU10, although Welshpug, adam b and chris bowen know much more than me. IIRC Belts are once again the main issue.