Suspected blown head gasket

[Nick S]

Originally Posted by mikey

Hi Nick

Just left a message on your mobile if you want to get back to me.
Mike.

Mike,

Just picked up your message, sorry phone on charge in the car, I won't bother you tonight, however if is OK I will ring you tomorrow.

Nick.

[Nick S]

Good Morning / Evening All,

After much diliberation, I have at last decided to let my local & trusted garage (DJS) do the repair; however I would like to first thank everybody for their advice and support over the last few days.

The car goes in next Thursday (by low loader) ~ any advice on hitching points would be greatfully rec'd and this is the route I was thinking of taking.

1. Ask garage to carry out a full & thorough inspection and report back cause of problem and method of rectification, along with estimation of costs. I spend about £1000 a month with these guys, so I am hoping that they will not fleece me.
2. Assuming the fault is with the head gasket, I will ask them to change both sides, ensuring that the heads are not warped or cracked. I have inspected the engine and now know that the heads are alloy and assume that these will be fine over than possible skimming requirement. I will ask them to use a good quality gasket set (Felpro) and also lap the valves whilst they are at it. I have ordered a new set of good quality head bolts and will ensure these are sealed with a teflon based sealant. I will get the oil and filter changed (obviously) and will use the oil as reccomended by Tony M, anyone got any thoughts on oil filter type?
3. I am concerned with regard to why this has happened, however I assuming that it may be due to an airlock. I am going to ask for the garage to replace the thermostat with a high flow unit, along with the installation of new radiator and expansion tank caps. Is there anyway I can get the fan to cut in earlier? I will also get the anti-freeze / coolant changed.
4. Cams & followers ~ I definately would like to change the solid followers to the hydraulic ones, performance is one thing, however I found that the engine sound as important to me (I was also overtaken by Reginald Molehusband last week, so I don't think I will notice the difference) I am going to reserve any further decision on this until the engine is stripped. If you can all be ready Thursday night for another series of daft questions.

I am going to list all of the advice on a sheet and give it to the garage, how well this will be received I do not know.

Once again thanks for everyone's help.

Cheers

Nick.

[tonym]

Nick, make sure you get some confirmation, preferably in writing, from the original garage about how much they're going to contribute to the cost BEFORE you start work on the car. Djs do the MOT on my cobra and several others as well as my other half's car and although I know Dick well, I have had no dealing with Matt, make sure of his credentials before him starting work on it. I'll try and phone you sometime today.

[VeeEight]

Nick

You will more than likely find that the garage you use will not be able to locate
the make and type of parts you want for the rebuild.
Sometimes, the best way is for you to buy them from a specialist outlet like
Finishline in the States or an American engine supplier in the UK and give them
to the garage to fit.

Phil

[Nick S]

Originally Posted by VeeEight

Nick

You will more than likely find that the garage you use will not be able to locate
the make and type of parts you want for the rebuild.
Sometimes, the best way is for you to buy them from a specialist outlet like
Finishline in the States or an American engine supplier in the UK and give them
to the garage to fit.

Phil

Hi Phil,

How is it going?

They ordered the head gaskets and stretch bolts from the US last week, they don't anticipate delivery until late next week which is why the car doesn't go in until at earliest Thursday. Can you send me the contact details of an American engine parts supplier in the UK in anticipation.

Cheers

Nick.

[tonym]

Do you ever answer your mobile Nick?

[VeeEight]

www.roadcraftuk.co.uk/

www.customville.co.uk/

There's a couple for you Nick

Phil

[Nick S]

Originally Posted by VeeEight

www.roadcraftuk.co.uk/

www.customville.co.uk/

There's a couple for you Nick

Phil

Cheers Phil,

I'll keep you informed.

Nick

[ti]

I KNOW - This is a old thread but i just wondered what the outcome was ?

[Nick S]

Originally Posted by ti

I KNOW - This is a old thread but i just wondered what the outcome was ?

All sorted (on the head gasket front anyway) thin vein in the NS head, the garage I bought the car from repaired and said if the other side went they would do that FOC.

No as for the bodge which was carried out on the clutch / bell housing / gearbox that's another thing......