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[Blackbird Rider]

Hi I have recently purchased a V6 3.0 Elite Auto - and subsequently I believe the head gasket to have blown!! :-(
Does anyone know one a competant repairer in the South  Hampshire area. Thanks

[KillerWatt]

There's a couple of guys nearby who are capable, although their names escape me at this minute.

Welcome to the nuthouse BTW.

[Blackbird Rider]

KillerWatt,
Thanks for both the welcome and the heads up that there are people locally, if their names come to mind could you please let me know as it is quite imperative.
Thanks
Steve

[bob.dent]

What are the symptoms, sometimes failed oil cooler causes similar symptoms to HG failure. I'm sure some of our more knowledgeable experts will be able to advise further.

[Blackbird Rider]

Symptoms :  Water loss (complete) increased engine temp and loss of compression

[Welung666]

Symptoms :  Water loss (complete) increased engine temp and loss of compression

That'd about cover it then! What were the compression readings?

[Pitchfork]

South Hampshire covers a lot of square miles, can you be more specific please?

[Blackbird Rider]

Haven't taken compression readings - the vehicle "spins" over quite freely !
Sorry, South Hampshire - more specifically - Fareham / Portsmouth area

[Selseybill]

If your willing to travel to Bognor.i recommend A&D auto on 01243 870600 ask for Alex.Used this garage for ages now.they wont rip you off.you just get good personal service at very good prices.I put a lot of work there way.So If you call mention Iain gave you the number and he may do a deal on the labour charges. Or try L&S service in Southampton.Their a old school type garage again good service and rates 023 80582111.

[dbug]

Haven't taken compression readings - the vehicle "spins" over quite freely !
Sorry, South Hampshire - more specifically - Fareham / Portsmouth area

How do you know compressions down?

[Blackbird Rider]

Passed mechanical experience and the "speed" with which the engine spins over - implying little or no resistance. That and the initial prognosis of the man from the AA

[Kevin Wood]

I wouldn't put too much weight on what the AA man said, TBH!

Normally, when a head gasket fails, you'll lose compression in one or two cylinders, depending on where the failure is. This will make no difference when cranking the engine. If you have lost compression in all cylinders it will spin a bit faster. That points to cam belt failure and bent valves, though.

These engines often contaminate the coolant with oil due to oil cooler failure or leak coolant from various places leading to an incorrect diagnosis of head gasket failure. Best to find out what's actually happened before taking it anywhere IMHO.

Have a look at the cam belt first, and check the cam timing is OK, then try a compression test on each cylinder.

Kevin

[dbug]

I wouldn't put too much weight on what the AA man said, TBH!

Normally, when a head gasket fails, you'll lose compression in one or two cylinders, depending on where the failure is. This will make no difference when cranking the engine. If you have lost compression in all cylinders it will spin a bit faster. That points to cam belt failure and bent valves, though.

These engines often contaminate the coolant with oil due to oil cooler failure or leak coolant from various places leading to an incorrect diagnosis of head gasket failure. Best to find out what's actually happened before taking it anywhere IMHO.

Have a look at the cam belt first, and check the cam timing is OK, then try a compression test on each cylinder.

Kevin

Agreed ^^^^^^

[Blackbird Rider]

Thanks for all the guidance gentlemen, and in view of the urgency I now find myself requiring alternative transport I am going to abandon the idea of repair and offer it for Spares / Repair via the internet. So if anyone is interested, I have pictures of the vehicle, let me know.
Thanks again for all the help.
Steve