General advice about overheating and head problems?

[Johnny Graham]

Hi, I am a newbie, needing a good winter vehicle that will also take windsurf/surf kit to inaccessible beaches..A nice scruffy surf at 1-1.5k with roofbars is looking like the perfect job. I'd have to take the 'surf' stickers off, though, lol!

Looking to get a surf as soon as, if anyone knows of a cheep n cheerful one in east of scotland..

But anyway my first step was to check up with this forum on the 'the big problem' (every car forum has one!) and for surfs it looks like the head going pop..(followed by 4wd glitches)

So, is there a FAQ thread for heads?, I couldnt find one, just lots of sorry tales..
I guess my questions are:
1. How does it happen (cooling system fails it seems - why?)
2. Is it really that common or just common on forums?
3. Is it likely at any particular mileage?
4. Any models more likely to suffer it?

Thanks alot in advance folks..nice to be here.

Cheers, Johnny

[Koi]

[QUOTE=Johnny Graham;663938]Hi, I am a newbie, needing a good winter vehicle that will also take windsurf/surf kit to inaccessible beaches..A nice scruffy surf at 1-1.5k with roofbars is looking like the perfect job. I'd have to take the 'surf' stickers off, though, lol!

Looking to get a surf as soon as, if anyone knows of a cheep n cheerful one in east of scotland..

But anyway my first step was to check up with this forum on the 'the big problem' (every car forum has one!) and for surfs it looks like the head going pop..(followed by 4wd glitches)

So, is there a FAQ thread for heads?, I couldnt find one, just lots of sorry tales..
I guess my questions are:
1. How does it happen (cooling system fails it seems - why?)
Was generally a design fault and due to not looking after the cooling system
2. Is it really that common or just common on forums?
Like all stuff people only post up when something goes wrong as thats when they need help
3. Is it likely at any particular mileage?
no
4. Any models more likely to suffer it?
Generally the 2.4

Have a look at the for sales on here, might be better to source one from a fourm member as you will usually get a good motor thats been looked after with help and advice from people on here

[Bigolbill]

Hi, I am a newbie, needing a good winter vehicle that will also take windsurf/surf kit to inaccessible beaches..A nice scruffy surf at 1-1.5k with roofbars is looking like the perfect job. I'd have to take the 'surf' stickers off, though, lol!

Looking to get a surf as soon as, if anyone knows of a cheep n cheerful one in east of scotland..

But anyway my first step was to check up with this forum on the 'the big problem' (every car forum has one!) and for surfs it looks like the head going pop..(followed by 4wd glitches)

So, is there a FAQ thread for heads?, I couldnt find one, just lots of sorry tales..
I guess my questions are:
1. How does it happen (cooling system fails it seems - why?)
Was generally a design fault and due to not looking after the cooling system
2. Is it really that common or just common on forums?
Like all stuff people only post up when something goes wrong as thats when they need help
3. Is it likely at any particular mileage?
no
4. Any models more likely to suffer it?
Generally the 2.4

Have a look at the for sales on here, might be better to source one from a fourm member as you will usually get a good motor thats been looked after with help and advice from people on here

Koi can't quote

[puddlesurfer]

Hello

[western uk]

Hi, Welcome to this forum.

As a newbie my self i can tell you it's great fun and very informative. The search function seems to work well, loads of info on there.

My Surf's head went because i thrashed the ass off of it on the way back from the smoke trying to get back to pick up some gear for the next days work.

I suggest when you purchase your Surf to get the best you can an drive at a sensible speed as they are meant to be driven. Making sure you check levels of liquids regularly.

The Guy's that know will fill you in with the tech stuff ! Cheers

[Rustinho]

Hello there and welcome to Surfland! Koi is absolutely spot on with the advice. Treat it well and probably just about any Surf you own will give years of service.

[MWS]

Hi Johnny. Welcome. Hope you find a good Surf. You'll be more informed, and better prepared if you do your homework, and use the search facility. Theres mountains of useful info. Enjoy the forum....Cheers....Mick.

[Johnny Graham]

Thanks! Reassuring stuff..