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[Shackeng]

Now here's the mystery. Compression test showed all cylinders about 12 bar; conclusion, head gasket is OK. So I change the radiator for new, all seems well for a while. Last Friday wife takes car to Tesco's, firing on 3 and leaving trail of steam behind it, on examination header tank level very low. New conclusion - HG gone after all. Car not moved since then. This morning, thought I had better run engine before cylinder fills up with water and hydraulic locks, fires immediately on all 4. What is going on?
I reckon coolant only leaks into cylinder when under pressure but engine not running, i.e. on hot stop. Left for 6 days the coolant  drains past the rings into the sump, then starts on all 4.
Any more ideas?

Given the amount lost from your earlier post, this should show up on the dipstick to confirm.

[Sir Tigger KC]

The car dosn't like going to Tesco's, send wife to Sainsbury's instead. 

[05omegav6]

Was about to ask much the same... Any evidence of water in the oil? Is it still consuming gallons of water?

Get it nice and warm then pull the plugs, start with 3 and 4 given that is most likely where the failure is... And report back.

[terry paget]

Oil level is 1cm above max. I have warmed up and pulled plugs, all look the same as I expected, pic follows.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/syur5de2pz70duy/plugs1-4%2050%25.jpg?dl=0

[05omegav6]

If no mayo on dipstick then unlikely to be any water in the sump...

What's coolant consumption currently?

Can't see pics Probably why I use photobucket

[STEMO]

[05omegav6]

Thanks Stemo

That be your issue... rocker gasket and breathers this weekend

[Nick W]

No 3 plug is getting steam-cleaned. If it isn't the headgasket, it will be something worse that will only be obvious when you lift the head.

[05omegav6]

So what you're suggesting is that whilst the camcover is off, you might as well remove the head bolts...

[terry paget]

If no mayo on dipstick then unlikely to be any water in the sump...

What's coolant consumption currently?

Can't see pics Probably why I use photobucket

Pics show 4 identical plugs, as I expected. No mayo on dipstick but coolant level down to bottom of header tank. After fitting new radiator 29 November I drove it to Trowbridge and back (24 miles), then it was not used again until last Friday when wife went to Tesco's, steaming merrily.

Meanwhile I was completing the clutch change on the Clacton 2.5, and after sorting out the gear lever and the window winders I transferred the insurance from 2.0 to 2.5, taxed the 2.5 and thus recommisioned it. 2.5 is still running well and tomorrow will do the Oxfordshire run. Son Dan (28) returned home from Tanzania last Friday. 2.0 was to be his car, now he much prefers the 2.5. Unless it fails tomorrow he will adopt the 2.5.

[terry paget]

No 3 plug is getting steam-cleaned. If it isn't the headgasket, it will be something worse that will only be obvious when you lift the head.

You intrigue me, Nick. What are the worse options? Cracked head?
It's frustrating in that it drives perfectly sweetly, starts well (if on 3 for a while), yet still loses water with a new radiator. Its likely fate is being stripped for spares and scrapped.