White fumes, rough idle etc

[Algol]

These are my recent symptoms:

A bout of overheating - found low coolant temp. Replaced rad cap and filled with coolant.

Smoky and rough startup (sounds like less than all cyl.s firing)

There's no bubbles in rad.

Smoke/fumes smells diesel-y rather than steam-y.

Next step?

I'm fearing a cyl head crack?

[The Boo Crew]

Sounds a bit like it to me, with the diesely white smoke!

[gwh200]

Get a sniffer test done on the coolant.

[Algol]

Just took it to 4 local garages to try and get a diagnosis, maybe the sniffer test. None of them interested.

Anyone know a Surf-friendly mechanic around Sheffield?

[andyverran]

DIY?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_od...ester&_sacat=0

[Sancho]

Just took it to 4 local garages to try and get a diagnosis, maybe the sniffer test. None of them interested.

Anyone know a Surf-friendly mechanic around Sheffield?

Macclesfield any good?

http://www.engineco.co.uk/

Steve knows all about surfs....

[BUSHWHACKER]

These are my recent symptoms:

A bout of overheating - found low coolant temp. Replaced rad cap and filled with coolant.
You let it overheat more than once?

Smoky and rough startup (sounds like less than all cyl.s firing)
Coolant in the bores.

There's no bubbles in rad.
There won't be until the thermostat opens.

Smoke/fumes smells diesel-y rather than steam-y.

Next step?

Replace the head.

[M8WHR]

I love how the colour of your writing suggests what mood your in writing the post Vince.. Great technique.

[BUSHWHACKER]

I love how the colour of your writing suggests what mood your in writing the post Vince.. Great technique.

Better?

[Algol]

Cheers guys. I'd pretty much decided I would keep the truck and get it fixed. Even tho it's gonna cost a bit I think it'd be loads more hassle potentially getting rid and buying something new.

I may try Steve in Macc. Bit of a distance but I don't mind travelling for a good job.

What else is worth getting done while it's stripped down for a head change?

What's the likely labour time on a cyl head change?