AAAARGH!!!!! Head Gasket Blown!!!!!!!

[MOGS]

:banghead: Happened tonight! Got stuck in traffic which took me an hour to travel 4 miles. Engine got hot, but not into the red. Then got onto the motorway and noticed that power didn't seem to be all that good after a while. I then came to the back of the traffic slowing for the exit when the oil light flickered, so I pulled over and as I did, the engine died. :censored:

RAC man says the head gasket's gone. Is this likely to be expensive? (Already knowing the answer... :banghead: )

It's Oscar, the MG Monty Turbo that I've only been using for the first time this last week!! I'd just finished everything to get him running as well, apart from replacing the head gasket as a precaution that I was going to do next week!! :banghead:

If it's too expensive, I may just write it off and see if any of you guys want him. Bodywork is A1, which is why it's annoying me so much!

I'm not having much luck here, what with MOGS having the front stoved in the other week and the culprit driving off!

[Ed]

:banghead: Happened tonight! Got stuck in traffic which took me an hour to travel 4 miles. Engine got hot, but not into the red. Then got onto the motorway and noticed that power didn't seem to be all that good after a while. I then came to the back of the traffic slowing for the exit when the oil light flickered, so I pulled over and as I did, the engine died. :censored:

RAC man says the head gasket's gone. Is this likely to be expensive? (Already knowing the answer... :banghead: )

It's Oscar, the MG Monty Turbo that I've only been using for the first time this last week!! I'd just finished everything to get him running as well, apart from replacing the head gasket as a precaution that I was going to do next week!! :banghead:

If it's too expensive, I may just write it off and see if any of you guys want him. Bodywork is A1, which is why it's annoying me so much!

I'm not having much luck here, what with MOGS having the front stoved in the other week and the culprit driving off!

Sorry to hear that. I hope you can get it sorted fairly easily. If you do decide though that its too much, I'll DEFINATELY be interested!

[MOGS]

Hopefully I'll get an idea on cost over the next few days and let you know. Either way, it means the tidy-up of MOGS (the Maesty EFI) will probably have to wait until next spring now when I can use my B Roadster again. (He's in a complete body-off resto at the mo!)

[Jonathan]

At least it's not a K Series V6 engine... That really is :banghead:

When the Head Gasket failed on my MG Maestro a couple of years ago I had it repaired by a local garage and the head skimmed. The invoice was for £328 of which most was labour. It cost me as much as the car was worth but if it's a good one otherwise, why not?

[MOGS]

At least it's not a K Series V6 engine... That really is :banghead:

When the Head Gasket failed on my MG Maestro a couple of years ago I had it repaired by a local garage and the head skimmed. The invoice was for £328 of which most was labour. It cost me as much as the car was worth but if it's a good one otherwise, why not?

If I can have it done for that price, it'll definately be worth it!

[weasel2400]

If you have the knowledge - get the head skimmed (approx £30) and do the gasket yourself as it will save a fortune in labour and vat, could be worse - at least the cambelt dident snap ( i asume as you havent mention it)

[Shazza]

I'd do it for 200 including a head skim.

[E_T_V]

The coat in parts will be about 50 quid in parts, (timing belt and head gasket set). I'd also recommned you get the head skimmed (30 quid) and also sort out why it overheated in the first place, (probably a water leak or a seized fan)

Depending on your DIY capability you should be able to tackle it in a day without too much problem.

[MOGS]

The coat in parts will be about 50 quid in parts, (timing belt and head gasket set). I'd also recommned you get the head skimmed (30 quid) and also sort out why it overheated in the first place, (probably a water leak or a seized fan)

Depending on your DIY capability you should be able to tackle it in a day without too much problem.

Alas, I have limited mechanical ability. I'm still trying to learn! :worried:

[E_T_V]

Well you have to learn somewhere! If you follow the instructions and ask for help on here if you need it I'm sure you'll get the job done perfectly and you'll learn a lot in the process.

[Shazza]

Well you have to learn somewhere! If you follow the instructions and ask for help on here if you need it I'm sure you'll get the job done perfectly and you'll learn a lot in the process.


Well said Dan. Plenty of help available from various archives on the BBS, Triple-M and here. There's a reason why Haynes manuals exist, to give even the most basic person with hands to pick up a spanner the chance to learn and save money at the same time.

[weasel2400]

Hears To haynes manuals Hip Hip :beer: .... cough

I lernt from them and from a couple of freinds that are mecanics - its not what you no it's what you can lern to know (if that makes sence).

[Fast Guy]

Did he compression test it or just say it was the head gasket? I never lost oil pressure when my head gaskets went and it ran, but on 3 cylinders. (and still faster than most other cars on the road ;) )

If he didn't
The lack of power could have been due to heat soak from sitting in the traffic for so long.
If you lost oil pressure the engine would die as the sender is wired via the fuel pump. I had that happen when the wire broke off the sender, I've also had an oil pump fail and a couple of senders play up.

Just considering other options if isn't the head gasket.

Last time I bought a head gasket was £28 (rover or motobuild, can't remember) head bolts were abot £8 each :worried:
It is a fairly straight forward job, but abit daunting if you've never done anything like it before. Find a friendly mechanic and bung him £100 for a days work :p

[MOGS]

Did he compression test it or just say it was the head gasket? I never lost oil pressure when my head gaskets went and it ran, but on 3 cylinders. (and still faster than most other cars on the road ;) )

If he didn't
The lack of power could have been due to heat soak from sitting in the traffic for so long.
If you lost oil pressure the engine would die as the sender is wired via the fuel pump. I had that happen when the wire broke off the sender, I've also had an oil pump fail and a couple of senders play up.

Just considering other options if isn't the head gasket.

Last time I bought a head gasket was £28 (rover or motobuild, can't remember) head bolts were abot £8 each :worried:
It is a fairly straight forward job, but abit daunting if you've never done anything like it before. Find a friendly mechanic and bung him £100 for a days work :p

Nothing certain yet. It was just his opinion. I'll probably get my dad to look at it as he rebuilds 50's and 60's Yank-tanks for fun. In the meantime, it looks like MOGS will be pressed back into service sooner than I had intended. Trying to get new windscreen fitted today - big crack in it - and take him for a new MOT.

Will keep you guys updated and, have no doubt, I will certainly shout if I need advice or help! :)

[metro]

Alas, I have limited mechanical ability. I'm still trying to learn! :worried:

Limited ability is a good place to start, we were all there once. Give it a go with the help of a Haynes manual. If you aren't too confident, try to find somebody with a bit of experience to give you hand.

[skipweasel]

Alas, I have limited mechanical ability. I'm still trying to learn! :worried:
Now's the perfect opportunity. There's nothing the Haynes BoL won't guide you through in the job.

[MOGS]

Now's the perfect opportunity. There's nothing the Haynes BoL won't guide you through in the job.

Ok, I'm going to bite the bullet and have a go myself.

What do I need to buy apart from a replacement head gasket and a torque wrench? Do I need a new set of head bolts(?), for example?

Thanks
Brian

[weasel2400]

technicly you can reuse the bolts but this is not recomended so best repalace, you should be able to buy a head gasket set which will include bolts, head gasket exhaust/inlet manifold gaskets etc etc, fit new gaskets on anything you have to take apart and keep left overs for any future work that may need doing, also get a cam belt, some gasket sealent some WD40 and some tread sealent just in case any bolts prove to be a pain, make sure and get the head skimmed, this costs about £30 but will save you a lot of money in the long run.

any probs give us a shout,, i'll help if I can, if not someone on here will.

good luck.

[jonhamil]

I would strongly suggest that if you're coind the head gasket and therefore the cam belt, that you also change the cambelt tensioner at the same time. They're only 20 quid from Rover and not worth not doing ;-) Haynes won't tell you that of course though...

When I do mine, I'm also going to change the water pump - apparently some garages chnage them as a matter of course when doing head gaskets! They're also a weak spot on the monty.

So long as you follow Haynes pretty much to the letter and post anything which doesn't make sense on here and take your time, there is no reason at all why you shouldn't be able to do it.

Take care with dirt ingress into the cylinders as well!

Jon

[MOGS]

Thanks guys. Will get shopping next weekend then by the looks of it!

[Shazza]

You do not need new head bolts if they are in good condition.

For a set, its nearly £100 quid if you can get them. I reused the bolts on my turbo and on my monty with no problem. They are not stretch bolts and as long as you dont reuse them more than 3 times then save your money.


I've never heard of anyone replacing the tensioner, unless it has excess play/noisy then again, not worth the expense.

[weasel2400]

a good idea to check the water pump though as you will have to change the cam belt again should it need doing, but check the history has it been done recently, are you losing any water or hearing a grinding noise if you arnt concerned I would not bother with the pump as it will be about 50-60 pounds and there is no point breaking the seal on the gasket if the water pump is ok, if you are unsure, when you have the cambelt off try pulling the pump pulley/sproket towards you then towards the car - just by hand to check the bearing if it moves more than 2-3 mm then it will definatly need changing - if it dosent and hasent been leaking - dont worry.


cheers

[MOGS]

a good idea to check the water pump though as you will have to change the cam belt again should it need doing, but check the history has it been done recently, are you losing any water or hearing a grinding noise if you arnt concerned I would not bother with the pump as it will be about 50-60 pounds and there is no point breaking the seal on the gasket if the water pump is ok, if you are unsure, when you have the cambelt off try pulling the pump pulley/sproket towards you then towards the car - just by hand to check the bearing if it moves more than 2-3 mm then it will definatly need changing - if it dosent and hasent been leaking - dont worry.


cheers

Thanks for that. I managed to get a brand new water pump off ebay yesterday for £7.00, so I may change it anyway, or check the existing one and keep the new one as a spare...decisions, decisions...

[mgdavid]

that eBay pump seller is a bit of a rip-off merchant IMO - the pump was listed at 7 quid, but delivery is 47 quid, IE 54 quid total. And I don't reckon he will allow collection !

[Beaker]

I saw that too, I sent him a message asking if the postage was genuine. No reply though, didn't expect one to be honest. He is obviously avoiding paying fees on the item and should be reported to ebay.

[MOGS]

that eBay pump seller is a bit of a rip-off merchant IMO - the pump was listed at 7 quid, but delivery is 47 quid, IE 54 quid total. And I don't reckon he will allow collection !

Postage was £4.00 - total came to about £12.50. Will let you know when/if I get it!

[MGJohn]

:banghead: Happened tonight! Got stuck in traffic which took me an hour to travel 4 miles. Engine got hot, but not into the red. Then got onto the motorway and noticed that power didn't seem to be all that good after a while. I then came to the back of the traffic slowing for the exit when the oil light flickered, so I pulled over and as I did, the engine died. :censored:

RAC man says the head gasket's gone. Is this likely to be expensive? (Already knowing the answer... :banghead: )

It's Oscar, the MG Monty Turbo that I've only been using for the first time this last week!! I'd just finished everything to get him running as well, apart from replacing the head gasket as a precaution that I was going to do next week!! :banghead:

If it's too expensive, I may just write it off and see if any of you guys want him. Bodywork is A1, which is why it's annoying me so much!

I'm not having much luck here, what with MOGS having the front stoved in the other week and the culprit driving off!

Whatever you do, do get at least one other second opinion. More than one even better. In my experience, based over many years, far too many 'professionals' are of a "They all do that mate" mindset and many a car's head gasket has been changed when it was not necessary. No idea where you're located, but I bet that wherever it is a more experienced MG Montego enthusiast will not be far away who can also give your car the once-over.

Last year, a colleague at work was professionally quoted 500 quid to rectify his Rover Montego GTi because it had a 'perforated head' ... well known fact apparently .... :nonono: ... and although I had not seen his car for a few years as his wife was using it, I bought it 'blind' unseen when he offered it to me for spares. The car had only done 77,000 miles and he'd had it virtually from new.

That perforated head was nothing more than a worn out water pump - that's where his coolant had been going. They are designed to start leaking when worn out leaving a tell tale pool of coolant when parked. Always check when you see that spot of coolant under your car. How the 'professional' failed to spot something so obvious is beyond me - or, maybe he did spot it and saw the opportunity as a 'nice little earner' ... 'appens! I replaced the pump myself with a spare used one I had handy and the car passed its MoT test needing a replacement fuel filler pipe ( clear that mud-crud frequently from up there in the wheel arch or yours will corrode through too - where's that petrol smell coming from every time I fill up carefully - that's where! ..;)

In the unlikely event that you have bad news and decide to sell, please let everyone on all the enthusiasts sites know as I'm sure they'll be a few folks who'd tackle that job. I'd hate to see it go for spares or whatever.

[MOGS]

Whatever you do, do get at least one other second opinion. More than one even better. In my experience, based over many years, far too many 'professionals' are of a "They all do that mate" mindset and many a car's head gasket has been changed when it was not necessary. No idea where you're located, but I bet that wherever it is a more experienced MG Montego enthusiast will not be far away who can also give your car the once-over.

Last year, a colleague at work was professionally quoted 500 quid to rectify his Rover Montego GTi because it had a 'perforated head' ... well known fact apparently .... :nonono: ... and although I had not seen his car for a few years as his wife was using it, I bought it 'blind' unseen when he offered it to me for spares. The car had only done 77,000 miles and he'd had it virtually from new.

That perforated head was nothing more than a worn out water pump - that's where his coolant had been going. They are designed to start leaking when worn out leaving a tell tale pool of coolant when parked. Always check when you see that spot of coolant under your car. How the 'professional' failed to spot something so obvious is beyond me - or, maybe he did spot it and saw the opportunity as a 'nice little earner' ... 'appens! I replaced the pump myself with a spare used one I had handy and the car passed its MoT test needing a replacement fuel filler pipe ( clear that mud-crud frequently from up there in the wheel arch or yours will corrode through too - where's that petrol smell coming from every time I fill up carefully - that's where! ..;)

In the unlikely event that you have bad news and decide to sell, please let everyone on all the enthusiasts sites know as I'm sure they'll be a few folks who'd tackle that job. I'd hate to see it go for spares or whatever.

Hi John,

Thanks for that advice. Much appreciated.

I was actually thinking of asking if there was anyone nearby who could maybe take a look. I'm in Buckinghamshire not far from High Wycombe. If anyone can help please let me know, it would be really appreciated. :) There's no immediate rush though, as I have MOGS back on the road again after getting the windscreen replaced and a new MOT. :cool:

BTW, I recieved the water pump from eBay yesterday. Brand new, pristine and total cost £12.48 including postage! Think I may get another for MOGS!

Thanks again,
Brian