head gasket

[raywilb]

my recent posts re coolant loss as taken another tack, I checked the oil a few minutes ago & it showed a good 3" past maximum. first thought was I had the bonnet wide open & for 15mins it rained very heavy,( so I stayed in my shed & forgot it was open) could rain have seeped in & find its way into the sump ?, or has the coolant some how done the same, alternately will it be head gasket woes. from topping header tank up last night the engine has not been started. 

[Kevin Wood]

3" past maximum is a lot of fluid. No way that can be rain, IMHO. Best to drain the sump and see what comes out.

[raywilb]

3" past maximum is a lot of fluid. No way that can be rain, IMHO. Best to drain the sump and see what comes out.

I did an oil change when I first got the car, & regular checks but its been good. I remember starting the car about a week ago & windows were down & I thought I could hear a distinct tinkle type noise along with its usual engine rattle coming from the front of engine. if that was the water pump - could that be spewing water into engine. it would explain my woes. 

[raywilb]

3" past maximum is a lot of fluid. No way that can be rain, IMHO. Best to drain the sump and see what comes out.

[raywilb]

3" past maximum is a lot of fluid. No way that can be rain, IMHO. Best to drain the sump and see what comes out.

I did an oil change when I first got the car, & regular checks but its been good. I remember starting the car about a week ago & windows were down & I thought I could hear a distinct tinkle type noise along with its usual engine rattle coming from the front of engine. if that was the water pump - could that be spewing water into engine. it would explain my woes. 

got at least 3pts of coolant from sump, a real clean pinky colour too. plug back in as oil appeared. now in process of removing oil. so my guess water pump is fubbered. europarts are bringing one along with oil filter.  just a bit apprehensive as never done a pump on these before.

[Nick W]

How does a knackered water pump drain fresh coolant into the sump??

[Mr Gav]

I don`t think a failed water pump would explain water in the sump, head gasket failure would be the likely cause I think, I`m sure others will be along to point you in the right direction 

[raywilb]

I don`t think a failed water pump would explain water in the sump, head gasket failure would be the likely cause I think, I`m sure others will be along to point you in the right direction 

yes I cancelled water pump & going to source head gasket. I am not too sure apart from h/gasket what I need as I already have cam cover gasket & black sealant. so any input would be much appreciated.

[RobG]

Might be able to source cheaper
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HEAD-GASKET-SET-BOLTS-ASTRA-FRONTERA-OMEGA-VECTRA-ZAFIRA-9-3-9-5-2-0-2-2-Di-DTi-/310435778470?hash=item48476a0fa6:m:mUuxP1HC2eJoQe1UPakracw

[zirk]

I don`t think a failed water pump would explain water in the sump, head gasket failure would be the likely cause I think, I`m sure others will be along to point you in the right direction 

yes I cancelled water pump & going to source head gasket. I am not too sure apart from h/gasket what I need as I already have cam cover gasket & black sealant. so any input would be much appreciated.

Cancelling the Water Pump was a good move, why dont you take the Heads off and do an inspection before you start spending money on HG's. 

[raywilb]

Might be able to source cheaper
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HEAD-GASKET-SET-BOLTS-ASTRA-FRONTERA-OMEGA-VECTRA-ZAFIRA-9-3-9-5-2-0-2-2-Di-DTi-/310435778470?hash=item48476a0fa6:m:mUuxP1HC2eJoQe1UPakracw

just ordered from a local motor factors & picking up tomorrow.full kit as the ebay one is. £60 dearer though. if id only waited a few minutes.  its been so long since I did a head gasket, probably early 1970,s on a 3ltr 164 Volvo straight six. so a bit daunted.