Perkins Headgasket woes.

[Peter G]

My newly acquired Tandy camper with a Perkins normally aspirated diesel engine appears to have a blowing headgasket. I have just changed oil and coolant. Prior to this I had noticed the dreaded mayonnaise on the filler cap but had hoped that it was just degraded oil but when I drained the coolant all that came out appeared to be just rusty water and I began to wonder if the problem had been there before I bought the vehicle and the previous owner had just topped up with water. Anyway I gave the coolant system a thorough flushing and refilled with 50% water/antifreeze mixture. I changed oil and filter and drove the van for approx 170 miles on mostly motorways. It appeared to drive OK; temperature gauge consistently just below halfway & no great difficulty reaching and attaining 80mph cruising speed although inclines that my Peugeot diesel would pass in top gear had me changing down to 4th. On return home, my oil filler cap was white and my expansion tank was empty.
Although I have changed headgaskets in the past, I am seriously considering leaving it to somebody who has more experience and better facilities. What would be a realistic price to change a headgasket? Would the head need skimming? Also a friend recommended using a gasket for the turbo version; is this folklore or sound advice?

Thanks in anticipation.

[Jack]

Do a thread search on this forum as I think this issue has been raised a few times. I don't think the prima engines are particularly well known for head gasket problems, no more than any other modern engine anyway.

In terms of the gasket, I believe they are the same on the n/a and turbo versions. I have a book on turbocharging which states that standard gaskets on n/a petrol cars are good enough for turbo applications as long as you prevent detonation (which of course is not possible in a diesel).

Head skimming is always advisable to ensure the face of the head is true. If it's out of tolerance you'll only end up having to do the whole job again (it'll blow the gasket again) and it's just not worth it.

Whilst I've never done this job I think it is apparently quite an easy one as far as head gasket changes go. I would leave 2 or 3 days for the job but then I waste most of my time doing these things running back and forth to the motor factors getting stuff that I didn't know I needed until I came across it (disorganised you see).

Good luck!

[BIGLAD]

My newly acquired Tandy camper with a Perkins normally aspirated diesel engine appears to have a blowing headgasket. I have just changed oil and coolant. Prior to this I had noticed the dreaded mayonnaise on the filler cap but had hoped that it was just degraded oil but when I drained the coolant all that came out appeared to be just rusty water and I began to wonder if the problem had been there before I bought the vehicle and the previous owner had just topped up with water. Anyway I gave the coolant system a thorough flushing and refilled with 50% water/antifreeze mixture. I changed oil and filter and drove the van for approx 170 miles on mostly motorways. It appeared to drive OK; temperature gauge consistently just below halfway & no great difficulty reaching and attaining 80mph cruising speed although inclines that my Peugeot diesel would pass in top gear had me changing down to 4th. On return home, my oil filler cap was white and my expansion tank was empty.
Although I have changed headgaskets in the past, I am seriously considering leaving it to somebody who has more experience and better facilities. What would be a realistic price to change a headgasket? Would the head need skimming? Also a friend recommended using a gasket for the turbo version; is this folklore or sound advice?

Thanks in anticipation.

Hi,
The head gaskets are the same for Turbo/normally aspirated engines. The difference in compression is achieved in the bowl in the piston crown.
They are not a difficult job, just time consuming.
Invest in a set of timing pins before starting the job (approx. £7-£12).
Really depends on the condition of the head face with regard to skimming.
If you do intend on skimming, remove the injectors & glow plugs with the head still on the engine. Theres nothing worse than wresting the head around a work bench and both can be F.T.;)

p.s. If you need help or want someone to undertake the job let me know, I am in worcs.

[Monty O]

Hi

I changed the head gasket in my TD estate. 1/2day to strip down, 1/2 to decoke, change valve stem seals etc and checked face with 18" steel rule, and another 1/2 to rebuild. It wouldn't start tho, I had the fuel injection pump 1 notch out! this took 1/2 an hour to correct, then it started.

I used drill bits as timing pins, and a nut and bolt for pump. All changed and no probs.

Drained the oil before starting to get rid of head gasket debris, and again a couple of days later, did same with coolant.

Hope that helps
Owen