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[tunnie]

If DIY I think HG change is worth it, my 2.2 is on borrowed time. 180k and its never been changed. I've been proactive on coolant maintenance, change at least every 2 years. I can't do HG myself, so have to get help on it. But when it fails even paying OOF mechanics for it will be worth it.

Worth considering all other investment and what's known. As replacement car, you don't know its history.

[Peterskinn]

Hi All,

If you follow my thread on "Auto Gearbox Problems" you'll see that - having solved the one problem the HG is now looking like the culprit for a persistent misfire.

Symptoms are very similar to those described and Plug No 3 on my engine looks identical to the pics.

Mine's done 90K and I had already spotted that the coolant was lacking in anti-freeze. Suspect I've just been unlucky with a variety of faults at the same time.

The same Ebay kit is on order and my local garage is poised to start disassembly tomorrow............

[terry paget]

In SIR Phillbutt's maintenance guide on replacing head gasket on a 2.2, he instructs 'have cylinder head skimmed (compulsory) and tested'. When i changed the cylinder head gasket on my daughter-in-law's Rover Streetwise in January, I laid a straight edge along the head, it looked good, so I reassembled with new gasket without more ado. Is the head skim really compulsory?

[Webby the Bear]

If the cylinder head isn't warped and you confirm this via straight edge and feeler gauge AND there's nothing else of concern (no broken valves for example) then I would polish the mating surface and leave it at that.

unless of course there's something bizarre about the omega 2.2?

[SIR Philbutt]

In SIR Phillbutt's maintenance guide on replacing head gasket on a 2.2, he instructs 'have cylinder head skimmed (compulsory) and tested'. When i changed the cylinder head gasket on my daughter-in-law's Rover Streetwise in January, I laid a straight edge along the head, it looked good, so I reassembled with new gasket without more ado. Is the head skim really compulsory?

That was stated as have to state, if not said someone wont and you never know

I took mine to the skimming chap and he measured first, found to be slightly out so had it skimmed anyway. Mine had actually gone bone dry and overheated before I noticed, as I was motorway driving. Best off being at least tested for warp at least, IMO

He also pressure tested it and that gives peace of mind

Don't get a cheapo head set kit. I did that the first time and that's why there was a second 18 months later. GM has to be 1st port of call but as an alternative Jason at AllGermanParts will sort you out

HTH
Phil

[terry paget]

If DIY I think HG change is worth it, my 2.2 is on borrowed time. 180k and its never been changed. I've been proactive on coolant maintenance, change at least every 2 years. I can't do HG myself, so have to get help on it. But when it fails even paying OOF mechanics for it will be worth it.

Worth considering all other investment and what's known. As replacement car, you don't know its history.

As you say, replacement cars are always a gamble. I bought a 2001 2.6CDX in May or £595, needed wishbones, drop links, track rods and cam belt, now it's a great car. I bought a 2000 2.5CDX estate last Saturday for £257; it turned out to be a PFL, but it drove well, needed new exhaust, still needs door strap and header tank, but otherwise fine; probably needs cam belt too.
 Now I learn I could change my 2.2 HG for £40 if nothing goes wrong, on a car I know is otherwise fine. Needs a new MAF sensor too.