First off hello to everyone

Hate to start off on the forum asking for advice but needs must, so I hope some kind sole will advise.

My mate has asked for my help with a 2004 1.8 TDCI (90ps) engine he has a problem with.

The engine was throwing out a lot of steam from the exhaust and losing about 2 litres of water in 5 miles so he suspected the head gasket.
(no oil to water / water to oil contamination)

So he removed the cylinder head expecting to find obvious signs of a blown gasket, but everything looked fine....that's when I got roped in

I've looked at the gasket and I can't see anything that looks out of the ordinary and as the engine was losing a lot of water I would have expected any fault to be obvious.


Are these engines prone to cracked heads?


I've read of problems with the EGR cooler leaking water and giving the appearance of a blown head gasket but as the engine is now apart we can't bypass the water side of the cooler to check.


Any advice appreciated.


Thanks.