Help bring my A3 back from the dead...

[angry-adam]

Hi guys.

I recently replaced the head gasket on my 99 1.6 A3 (AKL engine code). After re-connecting the battery, I turned the key, but the car would not start. After about 5 mins, I gave up and left the car alone for a week or so.

I recently had another attempt at starting it. I turned the key...and heard the fuel pump send some petrol to the front (which is a good sign...ryt?), but when i tried to start it...i heard a loud explosion come from under the bonnet (which is a bad sign...ryt?).

On inspection, I discovered that the inlet manifold on the top of the engine had blown apart from the 2 side clips (i forgot to put the 2 screws in) - and loads of blue smoke was pouring out.

Im now quite baffled and dont no what to do from here. Should I try to put the manifold back together and give it another try? Or should I just cut my losses and sell the car for scrap?


Any advice / tips / pointers would be greatly appreciated. I would love to know what I have done wrong...as the mother in law has also got an A3 and she wants me to change the water pump...and Id love to do the same to her car!


Many thanks...in advance!

[angry-adam]

Problem sorted! Thanks for looking anyway!