206 - Misfire/high coolant use

[matt4]

Hi all,

Owner of a Peugeot 206, 52 plate.
My car has a misfire and is using a large amount of coolant.
I took it to Formula One Autocentre. They identified it as a misfire (needing new coil pack and spark plugs) and charged me £160 for the pleasure.

There is steam/smoke sometimes coming out of the exhaust, it doesn't misfire all the time. I've noticed it mainly in cold conditions after the repair.
Now, since yesterday. It's been misfiring. I just switched it on again.

Also, I forgot to note under acceleration I here a whoosing sound of rushing water. Can anyone provide some help here please?
I know I'm going to have to fork our more money to repair this. Not great news as I'm a student

Thank you,
Matt

[RichardW]

Sounds like the head gasket to me....

[CitroJim]

Matt, what engine?

[matt4]

That's what I've been thinking too. Just wanted some other thoughts too. Ah, that's bad news if that's the case.

The cost arghh

Edit: citrojim, it's a 1.4

[CitroJim]

If a petrol, 8 or 16 valve?

If it's a petrol 8V then a replacement head gasket is very easy indeed and not much harder on the 16V.

can't comment if it's a diesel...

[matt4]

8v

But is it still labour intensive right? I wouldn't know what I'm doing properly so will have to take it to a garage.

Thanks,

[CitroJim]

Well yes, still a good amount of work... Half a day of work plus time to send the head away for a for a light skim, I'd say... Choose a good local indy rather than a main dealer for the most economical cost...

8V is the easiest by far... Have a new cambelt and water pump fitted at the same time...

[Oldpug]

The 8V Peugeot/Citroen TU engine has to be one of the easiest head gasket jobs in the business.
Do everything CitroJim has suggested,take it preferably to a small Peugeot/Citroen specialist who know this engine,wont rip you off and will fit quality O/E parts.
Skim,Gaskets,cambelt,waterpump,cylinder head bolts,anti-freeze about £110-£120, five hours labour £250-£300 ,all plus VAT.

[Stickyfinger]

First off...I would go back to them and ask (strongly) WHY they did the work they did. ANY mechanic worth his salt should spot the problem you have. Rip OFF comes to mind.

Then question if you wish to throw £500/£600 notes (mainly labour) at a car of the value you have. As the guys say, it is a relatively easy job and if you have reasonable levels of competence and dexterity it is an ideal job DIY. The sort of job a Haynes Workshop book is good for. Do you have friends who know a bit about working on cars ?

[matt4]

Thanks all,

I neither have the skills nor time to tackle this on my own. My mum used to take her Citroen to a French car specialist for over 10years. They repaired her head gasket. She advised me to take my Peugeot there for them to have a look but I went against her advice....
http://www.citroenpeugeotspecialists.co.uk - Never no problems with them.

I went to F1 autocentre because they were cheap but you know, you buy cheap, you buy twice
I can't be bothered to claim and argue my case as to why they did unnecessary work.

It will take me some months before I can afford to repair it and get it back on the road again. Does anyone recommend Radweld as a temporary solution?

Thanks for the advice,

[Stickyfinger]

No.....it can block your heater matrix or oil coolers if they are fitted.

Really the only sure way is the correct way. Are you still using the car ?

[matt4]

No, it's on the drive now. Using mums until I have the case for a repair.

Will take it to that garage then. Not worth risking it with radweld. They will remember my mum I hope. I don't have any close friends to do such a big job for me. Only one that I can think of... I'm certain that garage won't mess about just need to find the notes as you say!

Thank you,

[Stickyfinger]

RadWeld is horrid stuff...good call

[myglaren]

If you have to use a sealant then Forte Cooling System Stop Leak is really the only one worth considering.
The others will clog up small waterways and they produce a very unpleasant sediment that you can do without.

[matt4]

Took it to the specialist today.

The head gasket failure could have been down to the fan not working. He said whilst he could fix the head gasket, fixing the cause too could lead to something like £1000.
I'm a student. If we are talking that figure... I will have to get rid of the car.