Weird coolant problem

A bit of irony here for me.
I have never used any sealant on a head gasket job. I have always got the block and head in a fit state to be bolted together even if it meant a head skim which is actually quite rare.
The head gasket and cambelt were done a couple of thousand miles before I bought my car so I was quite happy.
A few months later I found a receipt for the work done.
The head had been skimmed and there was a bottle of head gasket sealant on the bill. I just hope the block was ok!
So far so good 6k miles later.

I used a thin line of sealant as well as the elastomer gasket on my F 12yrs ago still ok. Can't see why not to use it as its the same type of stuff that is on the gasket already. As I say "each to their own".

That's good to know Glyn!
I've just never had to use it but my own head is plastered with it and so far so good.

Before buying my first TF I had the benefit of viewing underneath from a pit. The block was clean and from what I could see I think there was a trace of what might have been wellseal just under the gasket in question.
If that represents true reality then that was 4 years ago and no issues. Granted the annual mileage is not huge but we have done a number where running time would have been over two hours in varying conditions and over A, B and C classification roads.
Some comfort perhaps and with a car that has done 90000 plus miles.

From what I have seen it looks like this is a second hand head that has already been skimmed (hence the rough edges)
I have cleaned them up with a dremel and needle files.
it's as good as it's going to get.

 

I really think it will be ok.
Good luck.

I strayed from my usual supplier because they didn't have a elastomer gasket listed.
This just looks so wrong to me. 
I'm going to give them a call on Monday and see what they say. 
Really fed up with the whole thing now 😒 

I see what you mean, yes it doesn't like right to me either. But don't get despondent it'll be ok eventually.

Can you show a pic of the gasket placed against the head?

I called time and went for a walk to give my head a wobble.
Got to our local cricket club just in time to get a beer and watch my grandson open the bowling. 
He took 3 for 9 off 6 overs  and I felt much better. 

Everything with this TF has been about correcting previously bodged work and now it feels like I'm going down the same road. 
If this doesn't work I will  drop the engine and a do a proper rebuild. It's only money 💰 🤑 

 

Yes and you can't take it with you! Spend some on the car and give your grandson a wedge!!

I spoke to the supplier and was assured that this was the correct gasket for a TF 135.
I ordered another one from a different supplier and it's exactly the same.
The head is now back on and all of the hoses have been cleaned along with changing the thermostat. 
I will probably put a new water pump on due to the amount of crud in system.