A Christmas Present I Did'nt Want

[220bhp]

Cars not been running well, as you know, plus when you start her up it won't run on all cylinders until you rev it a little,so I took the plugs out and could see water in no3, turned it over and saw a little spray out.There is no sign of water in the oil,and apart from a little soot on no1, all plugs are dry,no oil in the water, but it still sounds like head gasket. What do you think,could it be that or a cracked head maybe.the car was rebuilt ,and has done about 3000ml since.
How long should it take, and at what cost,
Many thanks,A very unmerry Lou

[4WheelDrifter]

******.
The water and oil channels are quite far apart on these engines, so AFAIK the water and oil rarely mix. But if you have water in the cylinders that sounds pretty conclusive.
I'm not sure how you'll tell whether it's a cracked head or just the head gasket, apart from taking the head off and having a look.

[220bhp]

I thought that would be the case, and a ****** it is for sure.
To take the head of, is it best to leave the turbo and manifolds on or not. Lou

[spink]

yes but you are going to need to get the head pressure tested while its off(30-40 quid).So you will have to dismantle it completely,including taking all the valves out.

[220bhp]

Double ******.

[220bhp]

Just a thought,what are all the symptons of a blown head gasket,and are they the same for a cracked head. Also what are the consequences of running the car like this it seems to run OK, just a bit lumpy for a second or two on start up. I have no idea how long its been like this,its about a week since I noticed it dos'nt start on all five cylinders, but it has been loosing a little water for some time , I did find a couple of hoses leaking under pressure, and just thought it was that.
Well thats enough of my problems for now so HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR/ Many thanks LOU.

[220bhp]

Started the car up today.started with a small rumble then ok, no smoke or steam from exaust, lifted the bonnet and I noticed a small amount of steam or smoke coming from around the turbo area, forgive my ignorance, but is this more like its head gasket or a crack in the head, I gess I am just hoping its head gasket and not a crack in the head. replacing the gasket is bad enough but a crack in the head sounds terminal, or is that not the case,just preparing myself for the worst
Many thanks LOU

[s2dude]

More likely to be head gasket mate with that description...
but even if its a crack in the head it is llikely it can be repaired by a proper casting repair shop.
Provided water isnt mixing with your oil as long as you keep coolant level topped up it should be ok to drive in limited amounts.

[220bhp]

Chears for that mate, makes me feal a little better

[220bhp]

As its most likely the head will have to come of, what reccomendations are there on a replacement gasket,am I right in thinking rs2 metel head gasket and arp bolts,has any one any suggestions as to where to buy and what is best.
When the head is of what else should be replaced,bearing in mind the engine and head where rebuilt 3ooomls ago.
many thanks LOU.

[4WheelDrifter]

ARP studs aren't necessary, unless you are planning big power (>400bhp) or you are planning to lift the head again in the future.
Get the head off first, it may be obvious where the problem is.

[BRY]

More likely to be head gasket mate with that description...
but even if its a crack in the head it is llikely it can be repaired by a proper casting repair shop.
Provided water isnt mixing with your oil as long as you keep coolant level topped up it should be ok to drive in limited amounts.

Until your bores fill with water overnight and your engine hydraulics when you try to start it.

[Mark Halligan]

Until your bores fill with water overnight and your engine hydraulics when you try to start it.

Quite possible, or the crack / leak, if there is one, could get worse while running the motor and do the same thing. Like Johnny's engine did.

[newsh]

Quite possible, or the crack / leak, if there is one, could get worse while running the motor and do the same thing. Like Johnny's engine did.

Or you carry on driving untill the head is ruined like me

Thing is, if you have a water leak then you will always lose a bit of water right away which means the top of the head is filled with vapour rather than water and the alloy starts to errode.

[s2dude]

Until your bores fill with water overnight and your engine hydraulics when you try to start it.

I had an old escort years ago and drove it for several months with a leaky headgasket.....it was fine. As crap at the end as it was at the start

But yeah. Not a wise idea to drive the car with it. By limited amounts i meant to the repair shop. not commuting...