Pressure in Coolant and coolant loss

the moog · Post by **the moog** » 24 Jan 2011, 22:22

I am still trying to chase all my gremlins in my car (1997 1.9TD with 130K)

I keep losing loads of coolant. It seems to go through the whole lot in about 2 weeks. I cant see where it is going. I have noticed a few drips underneath but with the wet weather it is hard to find.

I am also find that the cooling system is massively pressured. Earlier I ran the car for 5 minutes then let it stand for 30 minutes. When I went back the top hose was still rock solid and when I opened the cap carefully it spat coolant everywhere!

I have fitted a new thermostat and rad cap in case either of those was leaking.

Is it the HG? Are they hard to do?

HDI · Post by **HDI** » 24 Jan 2011, 22:24

Head gasket !! Not hard to do, unless you find other issues when it's apart, like corroded head surface etc.

the moog · Post by **the moog** » 24 Jan 2011, 22:28

Excellent .. just the thing when I am moving house and losing car working space !

Any idea of time to do it? Fairly competent with the spanners but no expert

Or a rough indication of garage cost?

HDI · Post by **HDI** » 24 Jan 2011, 22:37

Have you noticed any difference in coolant temperature or more than normal condensation from the exhaust ?

Head gasket would probably take a weekend without proper facilities, garage would probably want at least 6-8 hours + parts. So labour would be at least £250.

the moog · Post by **the moog** » 24 Jan 2011, 23:32

Been running it on SVO and the oil smell has been bigger than normal and a lot more white smoke! I assumed it was cause it had got cold.

Temp hasnt been rock steady like it has been.

I think it is going to be a step to far for me at the moment.

Chlorate · Post by **Chlorate** » 24 Jan 2011, 23:34

Textbook XUD head gasket right there.

Sounds like it's not too bad if it's losing all of its coolant over 2 weeks, hehe at the end of my old head's life it would lose all of it in about 20 minutes

It's always advisable to have the head sent off to be skimmed before putting it back on, especially if it's been overheating. A lot of places can pressure test the head for cracking too, it's not always obvious just by looking at it.

Although if it hasn't overheated, it may be ok to just bung it back on.

Good luck, it's not toooooo hard but it is rather labour intensive and some bits are very fiddly.

Good opportunity to do some of those "may as well whilst I'm here" jobs too, like a new timing belt and water pump etc.

-Alex

Xantidote · Post by **Xantidote** » 25 Jan 2011, 11:52

When I did the head gasket on my TD, I replaced the head bolts - IIRC, it was Haynes that said to replace them. Didn't begrudge their replacement, for peace of mind, but what's the general forum view on their replacement? Obviously there's a cost issue.

Fitted a genuine Ciroen head gasket

Post by **RichardW** » 25 Jan 2011, 11:55

They're stretch bolts - there used to be a figure for the allowable amount of stretch, but given the abuse they get on tightening up would you want to have to do it all again for the sake of a set of bolts?

Chlorate · Post by **Chlorate** » 25 Jan 2011, 17:39

My ZX Haynes gives a value for the maximum stretch on the head bolts (haven't got it to hand, it's in the car). If I recall there are two different kinds of bolts for whatever reason.

I'd say it'd be safer to just put some new ones in, but then again if they're within the allowed limit I can't see why you can't do it

RE: Price - I think mine cost an extra £15 on top of my gasket set, granted it was a pattern gasket...hasn't failed yet

-Alex

Post by **Peter.N.** » 25 Jan 2011, 17:46

If you dont have time to do it now try running it with the pressure cap not screwed right down, that will allow the pressure to escape without blowing the water out, unless it is very bad. I have been running an XM like that for the last 5,000 miles or so

Peter

Chlorate · Post by **Chlorate** » 25 Jan 2011, 18:27

I removed my fuel filter housing bleed nipple when I got stuck at Clacket Lane services

my head was so bad that cranking the bloody thing pressurised the coolant system too much.

Ended up needing a new head...

Ahem.

Great engines these

They're just a touch fussy when it comes to antifreeze.

fred1 · Post by **fred1** » 25 Jan 2011, 20:02

fred1 · Post by **fred1** » 25 Jan 2011, 20:03

Hi,

Might only be a short term temporary solution but have seen claims that
"K Seal" can fix head gasket failures.

Cost about £10-12 and might just buy you time till you can fix the head gasket properly. I believe its avalable over the web and at GFS etc.

Could be worth a try.

regards

John