Block sealants don't work it would seem!

[Xantianut]

Ay up!

While googling for a new head gasket for my C5 2.0HDi, I stumbled across several proprietary products that claim to seal the head gasket and "minor" cracks in the block. They also claim to be used by various racing teams, none of which I have heard of!

Anyone used them? And do they work?

I have bubbling coolant in the expansion bottle and a fair amount of coolant loss, though not as extreme as some have described. Even if I have to re-use the stuff annually, it beats having the head off.......

[Stickyfinger]

I have bubbling coolant in the expansion bottle and a fair amount of coolant loss, though not as extreme as some have described. Even if I have to re-use the stuff annually, it beats having the head off.......

No it does not, the ONLY real way of killing your engine is Veg as a replacement for diesel and overheating, best bet in the long run is to fix it......remember IF it lets go, it WILL let go at the most bloody awkward time it can think of....they do that cus their French and out to get you \:) (like a broken dog bone on a X7 Christmas day Morning!)

[Xantianut]

They don't work, do they?

Ah well, head off is the only way forward now, although interestingly she no longer belches up a cloud of burnt coolant on starting! The Coolant loss is getting steadily worse although I have no signs of overheating. This leads me to suspect that the thermostat has been removed although good new is that the radiator is evenly warm with no hot or cold spots.

Anyway, being new to Torx bits, what sizes will I need to do the job? Or can anyone recommend a suitable set? This will be for both the head and the engine mountings.

I should know. Citroens have character = Citroens have a mind of their own!

Fifi IV was a red BX16TRS who, when I bought her had a faulty alarm. The fuse had been pulled which meant that when you switched on the ignition, the door lock buttons all went down. When you switched it off, they all went up. During repairs, the battery had been disconnected without the ignition being turned off 1st. When the battery was reconnected - zzzzzzunk! And the windows were closed. On the repair sheet were the words "Warning - this vehicle has a mind of it's own!" Some other malcontent had added "All Mr Terry's are the bloody same!"

Many thanks.

[Stickyfinger]

Well a head off on that engine is reportedly the easiest of the type....and the engine if good (except) is worth the work as they are so reliable... good luck

[Xantianut]

Tell ya what.

I'll post piccies. Apart from this bout of gasketitis, I'm very impressed with this machine so I reckon she's worth the work.

Where's me hammer?

[Hell Razor5543]

On the nail on your thumb!

[citroenxm]

Bit of advice for head off.... firstly, HDi head off is quite a RARE occurance, proper possible neglet early on could of contributed to that. My HDi never needed a gasket in 283k and still doesnt! And I know of another two - a 406 hdi at 300k, and another hdi xantia got to 286k but that blew good style rather then just leak a bit..

As for head off, its in a C5 I see, but the issue is getting to the Manifold bolts, IIRC they are a PITA to get to in situ and its best getting the head off with BOTH manifolds attached to it. The turbo wont come off before the inlet is taken off (I think its that way round, and not the other way)...

Head gaskets will fit on the Correct way and also a wrong way round, well, I did, and found out when the car started and Mixed oil and water instantly! Lesson learnt..

I dont beleve in ANY sealent things at all... for head gaskets, nothing beats getting the head off, despite it being a "Large" job.

[Xantianut]

It has deffo blown. I reckon if I swing the engine forward, after 1st removing the radiator, I should have just enough room to get at the turbo and EGR valves although I do see it'll be a knuckle skinning, 350-swear job to do. In January. Oh, they pick their moments, don't they?

I've heard horror stories about gaskets blowing willy-nilly but, given your info Citorenxm, this explains a lot. I've also read some real horror stories about cars that have been "regularly serviced" containing tar in the sump! So neglect? I also wonder if the coolant pump is leaking, which would lead to overheating, leading to POP! So ordered a replacement pump. While I'm in there and all that.

What amazes me is that the aircon compressor is cleaner than the rest of the motor, suggesting recent replacement? But the belt driving it looks like it came off the Ark!

At least I don't have wet liners to worry about. They are a real SOB to do! I done two and got the scars......