Head gasket leak

Post by **Jonni** » 21 Jun 2006, 18:10

Just took my new van in for a service and report. The garage tell me that the head gasket is leaking on the right bank and that basically I will need to replace the engine sooner or later, because that's the only solution.

Anyone had a similar experience?

What do you think I should expect to pay for a replacement engine?

Post by **Dan Wood** » 21 Jun 2006, 19:24

By 'head gasket' I assume you mean water jacket gasket? (The big rubber thing that goes all the way round between cylinder head and rest of engine...)

Anyway, our 1.9DG did that last year too.... Kept topping up the coolant and it was OK for 6 months or so.. Then it got worse and wouldn't keep any coolant in at all!

We had all the same tales of doom and gloom, busted cylinder head studs and needing a new engine so we prepared ourselves for the worst. After looking at our options, I was going to go for a Vege engine.

I say was, because I took it to that nice Mr. Baxter and we decided to give changing the gasket a go. His magic fingers did the trick. Old gasket off, new one on and no busted cylinder head studs to worry about.

So, in my experience, if you're happy with the way your engine runs and are prepared to risk it - it can sometimes be done. It wasn't a dirt cheap repair (quite a bit of labour involved) but it was a hell of a lot cheaper than a new engine. 12 months on and still going strong...

In summary:

1. Start saving.
2. If it's just a small drip, keep your eye on it and keep topping up.
3. Have a go at changing the gasket. (but don't waste money if the rest of the engine is on its last legs!)

4a. Rejoice
or
4b. Get new engine, and curse at wasting money trying 3 above!

Good luck

Post by **Jonni** » 21 Jun 2006, 20:28

Dan,

thanks for that I'm feeling a it better. I think we mean the same thing by head gasket. The engine runs fine and has plenty of poke. There are no oil leaks that I can detect. It doe spill coolant out of the expansion tank sometimes, but the garage put a new rubber seal on something or other, which they reckon might sort it. The only worry I have, apart from having to shell out loads of dosh, is that we are going to SW France in it next month and I'd hate to spoil the holiday by a knackered engine.

Anyroad up, I see you're from Donny. Me too. I went to Danum School and was brought up in Intake.

Cheers

Jonni

BTW - who is 'nice Mr Baxter'?

Post by **Dan Wood** » 21 Jun 2006, 20:39

Jonni wrote:Dan,

Anyroad up, I see you're from Donny. Me too. I went to Danum School and was brought up in Intake.

Cheers

Jonni

BTW - who is 'nice Mr Baxter'?

Small world! I'm originally from Huddersfield myself, but I've been teaching at Danum since 1997!

Mr. Baxter (Simon, BTW) is a top bloke with a garage in Huddersfield. See his website at http://www.brickwerks.co.uk for details. I can't recommend him highly enough, but do realise he's a long way from Brighton!

Post by **"WEAZLECHIN"** » 21 Jun 2006, 21:04

who said you will need a new engine because your head gasket has gone? would he be looking at you as a meal ticket? tell him to f*** himself

Post by **Kermit** » 21 Jun 2006, 21:18

Say what you mean Weazlechin !!

And yes tour proberly right..

Kerr

Post by **Jonni** » 22 Jun 2006, 16:15

Thanks for the replies everyone. After my initial doom & gloom I have asked friends and work colleagues and they seem to agree with sentiments expressed. The thing is the engine seems fine, I can't fault it in fact, apart from the coolant backing up, which is not often and is only a small amount. I'm going to investigate getting the gasket replaced with some local garages in Brighton. There must be someone who can do it. I would like to have a go myself, but don't have the space (on road parking) nor the time or tools to do it.

Cheers

Post by **camper** » 22 Jun 2006, 18:14

http://www.kalimex.co.uk/section.html?s ... 4.&pgid=17 This is worth a try.

Post by **toomanytoys** » 22 Jun 2006, 18:43

Jonni
Mail or PM me, I am just north east of Limoges if you need assistance/ repair/service etc.. I have assorted parts on the shelf.

A dripping seal isnt too much to worry about, as long as you keep an regular eye on it and dont let the water get low..

"Rad weld" etc... dont unless you really have too, can block up the rad and the heater matrix, despite what the makers claim, the T25 doesnt take kindly to the stuff.