Head or Rad????

[Smurf]

Have just got home and an old soldered up spot on top of rad has sprung a leak and water was coming out like a jet, the temp guage stayed normal all the way and even when home still running it never rose.
I released the pressure and had a go at re-soldering but with no luck, i then noticed the overflow reservoir was full to the top so i unbolted and emptied it, topped up and removed airlocks from system and popped up the shops (still with slight rad leak) and both heater systems were hot so all flowing ok, got back and expansion tank full again!!
The pressure in the hoses seems to be fairly high and the leak is producing a white froth (not oily though) could this be combustion gas pressurising the system or are the rad caps high pressure anyway????
The engine is running beatifully, oil is clean, no smoke.
What do you experts reckon then????
Is there a fool proof way to see if the head is faulty???

[Guest]

Have just got home and an old soldered up spot on top of rad has sprung a leak and water was coming out like a jet, the temp guage stayed normal all the way and even when home still running it never rose.
I released the pressure and had a go at re-soldering but with no luck, i then noticed the overflow reservoir was full to the top so i unbolted and emptied it, topped up and removed airlocks from system and popped up the shops (still with slight rad leak) and both heater systems were hot so all flowing ok, got back and expansion tank full again!!
The pressure in the hoses seems to be fairly high and the leak is producing a white froth (not oily though) could this be combustion gas pressurising the system or are the rad caps high pressure anyway????
The engine is running beatifully, oil is clean, no smoke.
What do you experts reckon then????
Is there a fool proof way to see if the head is faulty???

You can get an additive for the coolant which will tell you if combustion gasses are presenet, alternative is to get it pressure tested. However there is no foolproof test except taking off the head, combustion gasses or excess pressure could be head or gasket.

The system is pressurised anyway when running so the hoses should seem a bit pressurised, however if theye are blowing up really tight then there is a problem. Mine ran well even when the head was gone, it's no guarantee that the head is OK just because the engine runs well - these engines are remarkably forgiving. Mine also didn't smoke when the head went orthough white smoke is a dead giveaway that it has gone. Oil should be clean as the head going will not neccessarily compromise the oil system.

Cheers and good luck.

[neal]

it seem that you have the same probs as me and ive clean all things out and its still doing it but it starts and runs ok. hope you get it sorted im saving now to get mine done let me know how you get on. ive not even done 1500 miles in it since ive had it and i traded in a supra twin turbo for it which i never had a prob with even with just under 500 bhp

[Smurf]

I think it's had it!!!!!!!

Someone who shall remain nameless decided to drive it this morning and it cooked so i suspect it will be needing a new head now!!!!!!

[Smurf]

Progress so far!!

Its slowly getting stripped down and by tomorrow lunchtime i will have the head off and know if it is cracked or not, i am almost tempted to replace the head anyway just for peace of mind???
I am working without a manual so it is a bit slow going as i am trying to make notes as i work and keep all the bits organised so i dont lose any bolts or have any left over when it goes back together.
I think i have had a result with parts, a mate of mine runs an engine parts importers so has got me all the stretch bolts, headset, head gasket, and cambelt for £90, and has also sourced me a head from an associate which is skimmed already and just wants my cam and valves, this has been got on sale or return for £375+vat so i am now sorted for all the parts.
Needless to say i am most grateful to my mate who has found all the bits for me.
Fingers crossed i will get her up and running for the pit on sunday, if not i will be the white van man!!

[Smurf]

Head Is Off And Knackered

Got it all apart and all four combustion chambers have cracked between inlet and exhaust valves, dont know if this was the original cause or the result of it overheating, off to collect new head now.

[Smurf]

Wooohoooooo!!!!!!!!

I found lots of other little faults along the way like perished vacuum hoses leaking, 4 leaks on the induction side, gunged up breather, inlet manifold coated with a lot of gunk, and an air filter that was well past it's best!!!
Have now finished the job, been out for a drive and the increase in power is amazing, i am well pleased with the results of my labour.
I liked the surf before but now it is all sorted out it just got a whole lot better!!
I will now be taking it to the pit so will hopefully see a few of you there tomorrow.
Ed & Sarah