Possible head damage...HELP!!

[knightinblackarmour]

Hey guys,

I'm new here so hi to everyone, but unfortunately my first post iosn't a happy one.

I bought my friends 'M' Plate Surf import from him for an absolute pitance yesterday and it has a possible head problem. I believe this is a 12valve engine is that correct?

Ok first things first. No oil in water and no water in oil so i think the head is warped as opposed to cracked. Any ideas?

Also is there any advice you have related to costs and how hard these things are to continue to use after a skim and refit?

Thanks guys.

Rich

[nero279]

Stick up yer vehicle details, what engine is it? 2.4TD, 3.0TD or 3.0v6?

[knightinblackarmour]

its a 1995 so i'm guessing its a 3.0 td. Does look or sound like a v6 to me! I'm still trying to find the damn profile page!!!

[nero279]

If it's diesel it's 4 cyl, 95 is a late 2nd gen, probably 3.0, unlikely to be a 2.4, posting in the Tech/3.0TD forum should have been a giveaway really.

[knightinblackarmour]

So any ideas on the problem??

[nero279]

Heads cracking is well documented on the 2.4s, some 3.0s have suffered aswell. Best bet before spending money on getting it skimmed or whatever is just to go get it pressure tested, dunno how it works but somehow they crack but with no visible signs of cross contamination between water + oil

[knightinblackarmour]

ok thanks mate! Will do. I'll keep you posted.

[PDR]

its a 1995 so i'm guessing its a 3.0 td. Does look or sound like a v6 to me! I'm still trying to find the damn profile page!!!

The V6 is the 3.0ltr. PETROL version… it also normally has a V6 badge on the front grill to indicate that it is the fastest and most powerful version of the 2 Gen. Surf. Also very exclusive!..... and thristy 16 mpg, I should know, I own one

[Sancho]

Firstly, what makes you think it has head problems?

If you do have a problem with the head, it is most likely cracked. Throw it in the bin and buy a new one from Stevo.

The easiest way to check for cracks, without running up 300 quid having it taken off, is to get the coolant checked for combustion gases.

[knightinblackarmour]

Well its chucking white smoke out the back and using lots and lots of water!

So i'm pretty sure its the head.

[RodLeach]

If it's diesel it's 4 cyl, 95 is a late 2nd gen, probably 3.0, unlikely to be a 2.4, posting in the Tech/3.0TD forum should have been a giveaway really.

Bet your glad the IOTW aint still goin!!

[RodLeach]

Hey guys,

I'm new here so hi to everyone, but unfortunately my first post iosn't a happy one.

I bought my friends 'M' Plate Surf import from him for an absolute pitance yesterday and it has a possible head problem. I believe this is a 12valve engine is that correct?

Ok first things first. No oil in water and no water in oil so i think the head is warped as opposed to cracked. Any ideas?

Also is there any advice you have related to costs and how hard these things are to continue to use after a skim and refit?

Thanks guys.

Rich

How much did you give him??!
IF it is the head cracked/warped etc I think the normall bill comes in at just over £1000 , I just hope you did get a bargain!

[Sancho]

Well its chucking white smoke out the back and using lots and lots of water!

So i'm pretty sure its the head.

Oh right.

That'll be the head gone then .

If you can do the work yourself, give Stevo a call for a new head once you've taken the old one off and seen that it's cracked. If you can't do the work yourself, take it to Stevo (Stockport) and he'll sort it for you.

[RodLeach]

Oh right.

That'll be the head gone then .

If you can do the work yourself, give Stevo a call for a new head once you've taken the old one off and seen that it's cracked. If you can't do the work yourself, take it to Stevo (Stockport) and he'll sort it for you.

How involved is it removing the head?? Dont the nuts have to be set at certain torque afterwards or something?!?!? confuses me a wee bit

[Sancho]

How involved is it removing the head?? Dont the nuts have to be set at certain torque afterwards or something?!?!? confuses me a wee bit

I start trembling as soon as I open the bonnet so I'm probably not the best to comment. My impression is that it's technically easy as long as you've got tools, space, time, patience and instructions.