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View Full Version : Head Gasket Failure. . . . .AGAIN!!!

redmaestro
7th August 2008, 16:29
Ever heard the saying; when it rains, it pours?

I've had an oil leak for a while now, and this week during my week off work I decided to invertigate it further. Long story short, the oil is leaking from the head gasket on my efi (just under the dizzy cap). Water is fine (no oil, bubbles or water loss), just losing oil. My mechanic said an Oil Stop Leak might help cure or slow down the leak but I dont know how true this is. As i'm thinking on, I'm sure I read a thread about some oil additive which cures oil leaks........... Anyways, is it normal for an efi to go thru 2 head gaskets in 2yrs?

All this happens as i'm organising a full restore and respray (now on hold) and my car tax is due at the end of the month :-(

Thanks in advance

Redm
Jeff Turbo
7th August 2008, 16:35
The oilway from the head to the block is known to be a weak spot and leak. I don't think Stop leak will have any effect on it. When you replaced the head gasket did it have a copper surround for the oilway on the gasket, if not it will allways leak from there. Some gaskets do not have the copper surround on the oilway.
redmaestro
7th August 2008, 17:32
......when you replaced the head gasket did it have a copper surround for the oilway on the gasket, if not it will allways leak from there....

I'm not sure which gasket was used because I took it to my local garage. I might buy my own gasket and get the garage fit it. Any idea on part codes/prices or where to get a copper surround gasket?
henocsr
7th August 2008, 18:16
Make sure it is the he4ad gasket that is leaking first and not just the cam seal leaking from behind the dizzy cap, also a comman fault.
mgdavid
7th August 2008, 20:04
IIRC there's a sticky on triple-m all about gasket nos.
redmaestro
8th August 2008, 11:44
IIRC there's a sticky on triple-m all about gasket nos.

Am I showing my age? How to I find this 'sticky'?

Just for info tho, the oil is deffo coming from the head gasket. When the engine is running, you can see it seeping out.
G Force
8th August 2008, 12:06
A long shot but as you have recently had the head gasket done. When the engine is cold take the head bolt out at the front of the head where the leak is and check for stretching of the bolt. Examine the bolt just near the top of the threaded portion and just above the thread, look for any reduction in the diameter of the bolt. If the bolt is stretched then fit a new one and torque to the correct torque. I have seen lots of stretched bolts due to overtightening so you could get lucky and stop the leak if this is the cause.

You won't do any harm to the head as this bolt would be the first to undo and last to tighten if you were removing the head.
Jeff Turbo
8th August 2008, 12:46
A long shot but as you have recently had the head gasket done. When the engine is cold take the head bolt out at the front of the head where the leak is and check for stretching of the bolt. Examine the bolt just near the top of the threaded portion and just above the thread, look for any reduction in the diameter of the bolt. If the bolt is stretched then fit a new one and torque to the correct torque. I have seen lots of stretched bolts due to overtightening so you could get lucky and stop the leak if this is the cause.

You won't do any harm to the head as this bolt would be the first to undo and last to tighten if you were removing the head.
That's a good idea:)