it's dead

[weagie]

So as I think I've fixed one thing the next problem arises. Fixed radiator and all seemed good bit it started to overheat quickly and lose water. No puddles just plenty steam. Next thing was the temp gauge going up as I accelerated so crawled home and let it cool. All the water I'm losing is in the sump, I got HGF! At least I know the radiator is fixed and no longer leaking. Now for the big fix and I'm not looking forward to it but I'm not giving up on my R, not yet anyway lol

[Dangerous Dave]

Replacing the head gasket isn't that hard if your good with a set of spanners (and some heavy duty stuff).

Good luck! You going all genuine parts or are you on a budget?

[weagie]

Genuine only, it's earned it lol

[weagie]

Am I right in thinking I should get the head skimmed? I was just going to do the gasket but I don't want to do all that work to find later that it's knackered.

[Tomcat]

Take it and get it checked bud, if it's warped then they can skim it if it needs it.

[weagie]

Probably the best thing to do, what's the average cost of that?

[Orca2]

Much less than having to strip it all back down again. Especially after you had an overheat

[weagie]

My dad suggested that the piston rings could be knackered and may not be the head gasket. I don't think that's the case but is it worth checking while the heads off? If so what would be the easiest way?

[Jamest5r]

With the head on, just do a.compression test.

[Jamest5r]

So as I think I've fixed one thing the next problem arises. Fixed radiator and all seemed good bit it started to overheat quickly and lose water. No puddles just plenty steam. Next thing was the temp gauge going up as I accelerated so crawled home and let it cool. All the water I'm losing is in the sump, I got HGF! At least I know the radiator is fixed and no longer leaking. Now for the big fix and I'm not looking forward to it but I'm not giving up on my R, not yet anyway lol

How long after fitting the rad did the car start to overheat?

Also how do you know there is water in the sump?

[weagie]

Dip stick has water on it. It was over heading within a couple of miles but before it did that the temp gauge would shoot up when on mild boost.

[Jamest5r]

Dip stick has water on it. It was over heading within a couple of miles but before it did that the temp gauge would shoot up when on mild boost.

You sure you bled the rad properly? sounds like you had an air lock, when you say water on the dipstick do you mean liquidy mayo type?

[weagie]

Yeah mayo at the oil level indicator and water droplets up the rest of the stick. I spent ages trying to ensure I got the air out.

[Jamest5r]

Mayo is very very common it's the natural condensation that occurs all 850's I'm guessing yours is that? May not be the hg don't give up hope, does it start and run?,

[weagie]

It does start and go but not for long before the overheating

[Jamest5r]

It does start and go but not for long before the overheating

Does the fan kick in?

[weagie]

Yeah

[Orca2]

Sure way to test it is to check the coolant for bubbles or combustion gases, it sounds like classic HG failure , probably brought on by the radiator problem and overheat.
There is no real reason to assume the rings are damaged, they usually survive, you can check the bores when the head is off or compression test before you remove it though you might get a low reading on whatever cylinder or cylinders the HG failure is associated with.

[stribo]

Take the thermostat out and see if it still overheats, if so, take it for a sniff test.

[weagie]

Cheers lads. I've already started to strip the head out so hopefully will have it all out soon and have it away to get check. I'd feel better knowing its okay. It's a bit of a pig of a job though lol

[kmb]

I think for piece of mind I'd not take the risk and get the head skimmed, presuming the additional cost is not too excessive i.e. >£100

[MIKESC70T5]

Take the thermostat out and see if it still overheats, if so, take it for a sniff test.

Uh er missis, sniff test, Steve you perv lol.

[weagie]

So do I pull the head off then sniff? Lol

[stribo]

No, leave the head on, and sniff, basically, the test determines whether there are hydrocarbons present in the coolant, if not, it won't be head gasket. Another possibility could be a failed water pump.

[weagie]

Is there an easier way of removing this head??? It's a f��������☹g nightmare to get to the exhaust Mani lol