head gasket

[turbo 353]

due to the boiling over problems on #353 ive tried a couple of things to solve the problem
1) changed the header tank cap for a new one
2) changed the thermostsat for a new one

but still i have the same problem:banghead:
i have spoken to 2 local garages and both have said "sounds like head gasket"
can some one recommend the best gasket and how much this is likely to cost me all in, i understand the head will need skimming
cheers
rob:sad: :sad:

[dave-mg]

have you checked the condition of you're radiator?
it's not uncommon for the cooling fins to deteriorate causeing overheating even though theres no leak(ive just went through 2 new waterpumps and an expansion tank before finding out it was the radiator all along that was the problem)
failing that any decent garage should be able to give you a definite answer about the head gasket by either a compresion test or a chemical test(it detects exhaust fumes in the cooling system)

[E_T_V]

Do compression test
Look for bubbles in the coolant tank when idleing/reving.
Get a garage to do a "sniff" test on the expansion tank (It takes 5 mins).

Mine does it when booting it REALLY hard but I think that is due to the crap radiator what is in there at the moment as it overheats too.

Also if all else fails check/change the water pump as if they get REALLY badly corroded they can stop pumping water well.

[Wetfish]

Last time I checked a top end gasket set was about £90 and just the head gasket about £30. No idea about labour charges but it’s a couple of hours to take the head off plus a skim, if you’ve bought the head set you might as well do a de-coke £+ again and then a couple more to put it back together, add VAT to that I’d say you were looking at £300-£400 but I’m guessing. My brother-in-law’s Focus has just blown it’s headgasket and he was quoted £400-£500.
Rather than go through that kind of expense I’d make doubly sure as has been suggested that it is the head causing the problem. Are you using any water? Is it internal or external? Don’t think that if you have “mayo” in the oil filler tube that it’s headgasket, it may just be the running conditions. Give the cooling system a good flush as well, take the rad out flush, could be blocked.
HTH

[turbo 353]

there isnt a trace of mayo in the oil, the caps clean the dip stick is clean:confused:

[G Force]

Hi not a lot to add as most things have already been covered. Any external coolant loss will eventualy resust in overheating, so it is important to check you have no leaks anywhere, dont forget the heater matrix when you are searching.

If it does turn out to be the head gasket then the best value for money gasket is a genuine rover gasket.

The head does not always require skimming, you just need to make sure the head is flat and not pitted and check for any evidence of it being loose. If you find any problem with head surface and skimming is required you will need to remove all the valves first and the absolute minimum material should be removed. I always try to avoid unneccessary skimming of the O2 series head as it alters the valve timing slightly (unless you invest in a vernier cam pulley) and has no performance advantage in terms of Compression Ratio as the combustion chamber is all in the piston and bore.

Gary:)