head gasket problem?? quick answer needed please

[MattyGreg05]

Hey guys,

Anyone have an idea of how much work it would take to fix this problem?

Suspected head gasket gone on diesel 2.4 1990 T4 van.
The van doesn't overheat but i'm told there are exhaust gases are getting into the water jackets.
Would this be a cracked head or just gasket?

Any ideas of cost of repair in worst case scenario?

Many thanks

Matt

[andysimpson]

Cracked heads are very common on 2.4's. Costwise if you went with new head, belts and waterpump and labour it will be approaching £1500.

[philippacman]

you have pm mate

[MattyGreg05]

Hi Phil, thanks for your PM.

Bought this van from Ebay item number 250195016930
I'm told it needs the head gasket doing.

These ae a few things the seller has said about the vehicle:

The mileage on the van is 215k, however a replacement engine was fitted in sunmmer 05, had a little over 80k on it at time of fitting.
The van smokes a lot as combustion gases and water are mixing, however it isnt losing performance. I wouldnt really recommend driving it a long distance, although it will get you home I wouldnt want to risk any further damage to the engine as at the moment its a simple job or removing the head, having it skimmed, putting a new gasket in and away you go.

The smoke is white indicating water mixing, not ran the engine for more than 20 mins as my mechanic told me it wouldnt do it any good to have it running when it isnt right. hope this helps.

Since speaking with the seller on the phone he tells me that it doesn't overheat/ or rather hasn't overheated.
When the problem first occured there was a lot of pressure in the expansion bottle and managed to get it home by slightly undoing the expansion bottle cap.
He also thas told me that he had a mechanic check out the problem who tested the head for cracks with a dye tester?
However the mechanic said that the test showed there was no crack in the head. so it would be the head gasket that needed replacing.


The seller sounds very genuine but who i am to tell whether he isor not.
he tells me he was selling the van and not getting it repaired because he is moving to Canada in February.


The description stated that there was a water pump changed in September and also Full service done at the same time.
Would the Full service normally include the changing of the head gasket?

Phil, do you know how easy it would be to fix and how much £?
I'm reckon gaskets would be around £70. but I'm no expert.
what do you think matey? let me know.
I am going to collect the van from Preston this Thursday, 13th Dec.
goin to get the RAC to bring it back and was intending on taking it to a garage in chester i normally use but if you have any better ideas i'm definately all ears

Look forward to hearing from you
Matt

[airhead]

Would the Full service normally include the changing of the head gasket?

God no! Its an awkward and pricey enough job. The cylinder head has to come off obviously and its a pain in the ass to take off. I'd reckon £3-400 would be a reasonable figure to have it done, provided there's no complications.