Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Andy B]

.....
Shaddap you - everything is numbered   

 I was only trying to be helpfull .....       

[JamesV6CDX]

I am amazed the manifolds weren't blowing actually - this car had cheap nasty pattern, composite exhaust manifold gaskets.

Baz has looked after the car well I have no doubt, but someone in previous ownership has certainly cut a few corners 

[TheBoy]

Know what garage has done that work? One to avoid!

[Kevin Wood]

With that much silicone I would drop the sump and check the oil pickup is clear.

Yep - I sure will, before it's run again!

Bear in mind it can kill lambda sensors too.

Kevin

If it gets into the combustion chambers?

It gives off fumes while curing, which may end up in the crank case - or will, in the case of some cowboy plastering it with that much sealant. Then, when engine is run, it is drawn through the breathers, burnt and contaminates the lambdas on the way out.

Of course, you can get sensor safe RTV sealant - like the VX black stuff, but that stuff looks like it came from the back of a bathroom fitter's van.

The guy clearly didn't have much faith in the rubber seals.

Kevin

[BazMV6]

Baz has looked after the car well I have no doubt, but someone in previous ownership has certainly cut a few corners 

Thanks for the vote of confidence.    But the car had already done 111k when I picked her up - so no telling how she was looked after in a previous life...  :-/

Very interesting to see the photos.  I'm going to be very jealous when she's all back together and purring nicely...  8-)

[JamesV6CDX]

The guy clearly didn't have much faith in the rubber seals.

Kevin

Fair play though - that pattern gasket lasted 40k miles 

[JamesV6CDX]

Update:

Both heads stripped, all valves and stem seals removed, and heads cleaned.

I'm now reassembling the 2-4-6 head - 7 stem seals and valves refitted, so far....

[JamesV6CDX]

Note the corrosion on the left hand of the picture..... note this is perfectly smooth etc, but I can't get it shiny....

[markey mark]

i would be tempted to have them skimmed or faced up at least james 

[TheBoy]

i would be tempted to have them skimmed or faced up at least james 

skimming is issue due to coolant bridge etc

[markey mark]

i would be tempted to have them skimmed or faced up at least james 

skimming is issue due to coolant bridge etc

no mate it is not have skimmed heads on mine no probs at all only needs a small amount taking off !

[albitz]

Looks like its coming along nicely, should be for sale by the end of June?  

[JamesV6CDX]

Looks like its coming along nicely, should be for sale by the end of June?  

No chance - she's mine

Markey - out of interest, why would you skim? No distortion or serious pitting etc - I guess after 150k miles, you won't be able to see your face in it?  :-/

[hotel21]

Was the area of failure the same as the area of dark grey?  If yes, then a very very light skim may suffice but remember the coolant bridge if the engine shop gets too keen. The head gasket is also designed to take up very minor imperfections by its very design...

Personally, if MDTM says dont skim then I wouldn't unless really neccessary....

[JamesV6CDX]

Was the area of failure the same as the area of dark grey?  If yes, then a very very light skim may suffice but remember the coolant bridge if the engine shop gets too keen. The head gasket is also designed to take up very minor imperfections by its very design...

Personally, if MDTM says dont skim then I wouldn't unless really neccessary....

Hiya B

The failure area was indeed at the rear passenger corner of HG - which is encompassed by the darker coloured area.

It feels totally smooth and I can't detect any distortion. I feel the leak was due to lack of antifreeze perishing the composite gasket over time.... and personally not sure a skim is needed

That said - I welcome all opinions on the subject