A4 B6 3.0 V6 - Head Gasket

[dick101]

Dear 3.0L B6 owners,
I have an A4 Avant 3.0L quattro that I have owned almost from new-75K miles. I really like the car- fast, solid, no touchscreens.
Recently I have symptoms of a head gasket failure - some coolant loss, steam out the exhaust on startup. Once, I had an apparent hydraulic lock that stopped the starter turning. So I tried first Steel Seal, then K-Seal Ultimate in the coolant, very carefully with plenty of flushing. The K-Seal appears to have worked for now- no coolant loss. But I see this as a temporary fix- and am looking at a head gasket replacement. Although I do most work on the car myself, that job would be too much.
Is there anybody that has had a headgasket(s) replacement done on this engine - was it successful- did it last - were there any complications ?
I would really like to know

Regards
Dick101 (London UK0

 

[Stonedofmoo]

It's just a v6 mate, plenty of garages would have done it. What you tend to find nowadays is people don't bother and shift on or scrap their motors when it happens, but if you like the car get it done.

My advice would be find an Audi independent garage as they will have the correct tools without the Audi dealer price tag.

 

[dick101]

It's just a v6 mate, plenty of garages would have done it. What you tend to find nowadays is people don't bother and shift on or scrap their motors when it happens, but if you like the car get it done.

My advice would be find an Audi independent garage as they will have the correct tools without the Audi dealer price tag.

It's just a v6 mate, plenty of garages would have done it. What you tend to find nowadays is people don't bother and shift on or scrap their motors when it happens, but if you like the car get it done.

My advice would be find an Audi independent garage as they will have the correct tools without the Audi dealer price tag.

Dear Stonedofmoo
Thanks for your encouraging advice . You're right - if a car is 'worth' maybe £3K , and the repair is going to cost £1.5K then the temptation is to let it go. I have used a very good Audi independent for some years, but even he seemed less than keen to do the head gaskets on the ASN engine. I guess he has more profitable use of his (scarce) mechanics' time doing regular servicing. Yes - I will get it fixed - I just hope the repair lasts when it is done.
Regards
dick101