Polo 1.2 6R CGP Engine rebuild

[UKWaffles]

Yea, was using my breaker bar so I suspect the flex there might have taken some of the power out of the turn.

Its such a small leak as well, doesn't do it for like 20 seconds after starting the slowly seeps out and stops after about a minute.

[ciclo]

Spot on! A long breaker bar will flex like a bow under that much load. You think you moved the handle 90 degrees, but the socket itself might have only turned 75.

That 20-second delay is just the oil pump building up full pressure to the top end, and the 1-minute stop is the aluminum heating up and pinching it shut. It's a sign of just needing that tiny bit of extra clamping force.
Give that breaker bar a good, solid nudge to compensate for the flex and let us know if it seals it up.

[UKWaffles]

Yea will give it a go, its the last "major" leak now once this is fixed I can get it checked over for a MOT and get it driving if it doesn't need welding.

Has a had a lot of welding done in the past and I quite like the shape and wanted to give it a crack,

My 130i is my daily so this is a side project / wife car if it gets passed and lives long enough. Only errors on the dash are for a bad battery.

£480 on parts so far including the head rebuild so got some time and leeway.

Been fun so far.

[ciclo]

That’s the best way to do it! Having a 130i as a daily means you have zero pressure. Side projects are always the most fun because the only deadline is the one you set for yourself.
For £480 including a full head rebuild, you’ve done an amazing job and still have plenty of leeway. Clear that battery code, give those bolts the extra nudge, and hopefully, it passes the MOT with flying colors without needing the welder this time.
Keep enjoying the process, that's what wrenching is all about!

[UKWaffles]

Yea, getting there.

Easier to work on than the 130i as well, more space for all activities