Shall I scrap it !

[Foz]

Some clever bloke drove straight into the back of me just before Xmas and although the insurance wrote it off, due to the cost of new tail gate and bumper etc, I decided to keep my 1992 2.4 Surf for at least another year. I MOT'd the car,topped up the oil and water and off I went. Here's the clever bit, I forgot to put the cap on the cooling water top up and overheated the engine. It now eventually overheats with the dip pipe in the water reservour blowing bubbles. I have been advised the head may have gone. I'm no mechanic but it only overheated for 30 seconds and theres no sign of water in my oil or vice verca.
I have had the Surf 3 years and it's been great, I would hate to part with it but if it's the head I'm told the repair costs are high.
I would appreciate any advice.

[scudmonkey]

A couple or three options here.

1). Remove the head and get it pressure tested at your nearest engine reconditioning shop. This will at least tell you if the head is fubar or if you're very lucky just the headgasket gone. If it passes the leak test get them to check its not warped. They can reface quite easily.

2). Try using K-Seal or Arborsteel cracked block and head repair. Bit like the old Radweld but scientifically more advanced. Follow the instructions to the letter and be patient. It can take some time to work. I know someone thats gone this route and all seems to be holding up at the moment.

3). Assume the worst and source a head thats good and replace it along with new gaskets. PITA job but would probably solve all your problems.

Assuming that all else with the cooling system is OK, Option 2 might help you out of a jam until you decide what to do, and lets face it, for a tenner or thereabouts I reckon its worth a go.

Hope this helps.

[MattF]

2). Try using K-Seal or Arborsteel cracked block and head repair. Bit like the old Radweld but scientifically more advanced. Follow the instructions to the letter and be patient. It can take some time to work. I know someone thats gone this route and all seems to be holding up at the moment.

Or use common sense and don't attempt that.

[Sancho]

It sounds like the head. Repair would be the nasty side of a grand. Take it to a garage and ask them to check the coolant for combustion gases. It should be quick and cheap. That will probably confirm it's the head, in which case, scrap it or stick a V8 in it if you've got a bit of cash.

[darkdezigns]

A couple or three options here.

1). Remove the head and get it pressure tested at your nearest engine reconditioning shop. This will at least tell you if the head is fubar or if you're very lucky just the headgasket gone. If it passes the leak test get them to check its not warped. They can reface quite easily.

2). Try using K-Seal or Arborsteel cracked block and head repair. Bit like the old Radweld but scientifically more advanced. Follow the instructions to the letter and be patient. It can take some time to work. I know someone thats gone this route and all seems to be holding up at the moment.

3). Assume the worst and source a head thats good and replace it along with new gaskets. PITA job but would probably solve all your problems.

Assuming that all else with the cooling system is OK, Option 2 might help you out of a jam until you decide what to do, and lets face it, for a tenner or thereabouts I reckon its worth a go.

Hope this helps.

lmao @ number 2,may aswell put raw eggs in the rad,does the same and cheaper(will not last atall whatsoever),otherwise known as the auction special trick,just go to garage get them to do a gas test on the head while she is running,that will give u more of an idea as to wot to do next

[scudmonkey]

lmao @ number 2,may aswell put raw eggs in the rad,does the same and cheaper(will not last atall whatsoever),otherwise known as the auction special trick,just go to garage get them to do a gas test on the head while she is running,that will give u more of an idea as to wot to do next

Have you tried the product mentioned? Much better than eggs I assure you!

[darkdezigns]

Have you tried the product mentioned? Much better than eggs I assure you!

cant say i have or would,i have been to many rover 1.8's that have tho and its a temp fix,end of,if u think thats a perm fix yr very very wrong,sorry but ive done breakdowns for years,it just puts off the inevitable and often can cause more damage by blocking things up in the long run,no offence

[scudmonkey]

cant say i have or would,i have been to many rover 1.8's that have tho and its a temp fix,end of,if u think thats a perm fix yr very very wrong,sorry but ive done breakdowns for years,it just puts off the inevitable and often can cause more damage by blocking things up in the long run,no offence

Would agree with it being a temp fix, but as I said might buy him some time and stop him getting ripped off buy some garage. No offence taken.
Still better than eggs!

[darkdezigns]

Would agree with it being a temp fix, but as I said might buy him some time and stop him getting ripped off buy some garage. No offence taken.
Still better than eggs!

ahhh but have u tried eggs tho,it really does work

[Vagrant No2]

If it dont fix it at least you can have the poached eggs on some toast , yummy !!

[BUSHWHACKER]

Some clever bloke drove straight into the back of me just before Xmas and although the insurance wrote it off, due to the cost of new tail gate and bumper etc, I decided to keep my 1992 2.4 Surf for at least another year. I MOT'd the car,topped up the oil and water and off I went. Here's the clever bit, I forgot to put the cap on the cooling water top up and overheated the engine. It now eventually overheats with the dip pipe in the water reservour blowing bubbles. I have been advised the head may have gone. I'm no mechanic but it only overheated for 30 seconds and theres no sign of water in my oil or vice verca.
I have had the Surf 3 years and it's been great, I would hate to part with it but if it's the head I'm told the repair costs are high.
I would appreciate any advice.

What happened, did you scrap it?

[dieselboy]

What happened, did you scrap it?

Out of curiosity why resurrect an old thread?

And I can't believe someone recommended that sealant crap.

[BUSHWHACKER]

Out of curiosity why resurrect an old thread

Closure.

Why are you in Oz?

[POPEYE]

i aggree! i hate storys with no ending, sort of leaves you in limbo
as for Dieselboy!! well everyones got to be somewhere

[Predictable Bob]

Closure.

Why are you in Oz?

Cos they couldn't get him any further away than that ?