Hi All,
I was on my way to collect R4 parts on the M1 in the GTL when the temp warning light came on. I got the familiar light ticking, then slight loss of power, then distinct impression the engine was not very well. Bonnet up and my expansion bottle was making all kinds of gurgling noises, while I had smoke coming off the head until it cooled off. The 'very nice man' from the AA confirmed what I'd already guessed was head gasket failure. Having refilled it with cool water in at the rad top, it doesn't start all that easily, runs lumpy and blows and gurgles bubbles into the expansion tank, but no oil-water mixing as far as I can see.
My usual bangernomic approach to Head Gasket failure is game over and to sell the car as is. I like the R4 though and pre fail intended to keep it for a bit while tidying up the slightly shabby chic bodywork. The previous posts on head gaskets on these engines sound quite involved because of the wet liner set up / skimming issues and as I've not changed one before I'm not minded to learn on this one. If I paid someone to sort it, can anyone recommend someone trusted near St Albans / Luton and any idea on the cost of doing it?
If I was to sell the car as is, would anyone on here be interested in it?
Its a 1985 silver GTL with red tartan trim, MOT Sept 7th, Tax end Aug, 116k miles. Pretty good chassis, some repairs but solid. Front wings useless but body otherwise sound, with flat paint but nice patina. Would look pretty original and straight post a good t cut and polish! Interior pretty good except holed drivers seat. Suspect pinhole in petrol tank as the car smells of fuel inside if you fill it more than 2/3rds full. (I was on my way to collect a fuel tank for it from Andy Sherlock!). I've had it about 5 weeks and bought it quite recently from Purpaboo via ebay.
As you might be able to tell, I'm in two minds about what to do next. If you've got advice please post. If you are interested (in buying) and want to take a look at it PM me, or give me a call on 07765 713967.
Cheers Guys!
I was on my way to collect R4 parts on the M1 in the GTL when the temp warning light came on. I got the familiar light ticking, then slight loss of power, then distinct impression the engine was not very well. Bonnet up and my expansion bottle was making all kinds of gurgling noises, while I had smoke coming off the head until it cooled off. The 'very nice man' from the AA confirmed what I'd already guessed was head gasket failure. Having refilled it with cool water in at the rad top, it doesn't start all that easily, runs lumpy and blows and gurgles bubbles into the expansion tank, but no oil-water mixing as far as I can see.
My usual bangernomic approach to Head Gasket failure is game over and to sell the car as is. I like the R4 though and pre fail intended to keep it for a bit while tidying up the slightly shabby chic bodywork. The previous posts on head gaskets on these engines sound quite involved because of the wet liner set up / skimming issues and as I've not changed one before I'm not minded to learn on this one. If I paid someone to sort it, can anyone recommend someone trusted near St Albans / Luton and any idea on the cost of doing it?
If I was to sell the car as is, would anyone on here be interested in it?
Its a 1985 silver GTL with red tartan trim, MOT Sept 7th, Tax end Aug, 116k miles. Pretty good chassis, some repairs but solid. Front wings useless but body otherwise sound, with flat paint but nice patina. Would look pretty original and straight post a good t cut and polish! Interior pretty good except holed drivers seat. Suspect pinhole in petrol tank as the car smells of fuel inside if you fill it more than 2/3rds full. (I was on my way to collect a fuel tank for it from Andy Sherlock!). I've had it about 5 weeks and bought it quite recently from Purpaboo via ebay.
As you might be able to tell, I'm in two minds about what to do next. If you've got advice please post. If you are interested (in buying) and want to take a look at it PM me, or give me a call on 07765 713967.
Cheers Guys!
