HG now really confused

[raywilb]

now really confused- this morning started to take cam cover off. when off I expected to see signs of water ingress, but it looks ok. I could proceed with taking head off & have the satisfaction of its been done. any thoughts . also my head bolt socket is only a 3/8th drive. tried to shift one half a turn but gave up.

[Nick W]

The symptoms you've previously posted point at a serious leak between the cooling and oil systems. That is most likely to be a rotten head gasket, with gravity assisting the leak. You haven't got low enough yet.

As for 3/8 drive on head bolts, it's doable but hard work. Step up to a 1/2" drive socket and long breaker bar.
I used a 3/8 torque wrench to refit an XK cylinder head but I wouldn't do it again!

[raywilb]

The symptoms you've previously posted point at a serious leak between the cooling and oil systems. That is most likely to be a rotten head gasket, with gravity assisting the leak. You haven't got low enough yet.

As for 3/8 drive on head bolts, it's doable but hard work. Step up to a 1/2" drive socket and long breaker bar.
I used a 3/8 torque wrench to refit an XK cylinder head but I wouldn't do it again!

cheers thanks for that quick response , will proceed 

[omegod]

Those bolts are wicked tight, breaker and a scaffold pole last time I played with one. Got a complete dti engine and also a spare head here, hope you need neither though !!

[zirk]

Will the Head need skimming on them Diesels?

[Marks DTM Calib]

Will be interesting to see what you find given they are steel head gaskets.

[terry paget]

I dismantled the cylinder head on my 2.2 last year with a 3/8" socket. On reassembly, on the last stage of angle tightening, it snapped off. Had to buy a 1/2" tool to finish the job.

[raywilb]

Will be interesting to see what you find given they are steel head gaskets.

I am hopeful, if the coolant hadn't been disappearing would not of suspected anything wrong.  there is no sign of emulsion anywhere & the coolant from the sump was as clean as what I put into the header until the oil appeared. Ive got about 2pts of really clean coolant. my son is picking me some 1/2 drive  torx sockets. also I will try & post some pics 

[Webby the Bear]

Definitely 1/2 drive needed Ray. I once tried with a 3/8. And once was the end of that as 1st head bolt just laughed at me after snapping said 3/8 socket 

[Sir Tigger KC]

Definitely 1/2 drive needed Ray. I once tried with a 3/8. And once was the end of that as 1st head bolt just laughed at me after snapping said 3/8 socket 

I'll second that! 

[raywilb]

Definitely 1/2 drive needed Ray. I once tried with a 3/8. And once was the end of that as 1st head bolt just laughed at me after snapping said 3/8 socket 

now have the right one. although not quite ready I tried one bolt with a female e18 & a breakers bar, just tried less than 1/4 turn & it moved without too much effort. I just wish there was somebody in the York area to give me pointers & probably help. all the mobile guys are booked up. I, ll just keep taking the pills as the saying goes. Nobody has mentioned if the head will need skimming, in exception of one person ( whom is too busy to come & help ) that I phoned last night.  he reckoned it would. please any thoughts on that. ? 

[BazaJT]

Given that the head will be off would it not be then a simple matter of using a straight edge on it to confirm/deny the need for a skim?Or am I being too simplistic?

[raywilb]

Given that the head will be off would it not be then a simple matter of using a straight edge on it to confirm/deny the need for a skim?Or am I being too simplistic?

already booked in for a skim, had a few people telling me not to risk it.