Cylinder Head Gasket Failure - 2004 - 2.5V6

[MCALLISTERABERDOUR]

New radiator had been fitted Mike as part of the original problem solving exercise. The old one looked as if it had imploded at the bottom due to pressure. Also fitted new expansion tank, thermostat and heater valve during the process.
Funny thing is the second engine before it overheat was running as if on five cylinders at low revs but picked up as the revs went up. Then bang the needle on the heater gauge went right up and very quickly.
We have put in a dose of Wonderweld to the second engine and that seems to have sealed it, with the temperature gauge staying at normal over short runs of 15 to 20 miles at various revs, running the engine up to about 60 mph. Power is fine, engine very smooth, loss of water seems minimal although there still is a fair bit of pressure when left to cool down with some sediment signs in the water and being discharged out through the pressure cap.
Huge loss of confidence though in taking it anywhere.
Actually wish now that I had followed my gut feel initially and went for an engine re build instead of listening to others and plumping for a replacement engine from a scrapper, albeit a reputable one.
John

[Montana5]

Sorry to hear that John, at least you got your money back for the replacement Engine, though I feel for you having to go through all that time and expense for the swapping over. Hope the rebuild works out, if that is the route you take.

Doug.

[MCALLISTERABERDOUR]

Thanks Doug, need to work on the wife first. Tried to sell it and got offered £300 on the net, rather give it away. Seen your car at Doune Scottish Jaguar day, nice.

My car car is L17MCA on the register check the pics out to see what I mean

John

[Martec]

Hi John,

Sorry to hear of the loss of your second engine, with the same fault!!!!????

I was too enthusiastic with my 3 ltr and ran a big end bearing on lowish oil level. I took my engine apart to see what it was like inside, not a nice job in retiming the cams but beautifully precise castings.

My second engine is fine............so far, but I check the oil level every run and keep it at maximum (With a replacement front crank seal it hardly uses oil anyway), and don't exceed 4,500 revs.

Seems to me you have had bad luck or the original fault is still there?

Best wishes

Brian

[robv12]

that is a real shame, as I said earlier 200K on these engines is common place, if it helps I have a known to be good 2.5 engine here, 62k miles from new, cheap as chips, its still in the car and can be heard running and tested



http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/311482791312? ... 1555.l2649

[jeff1954]

I To am sorry to hear the bad news I agree with Mike, It sounds like a rad problem.

Jeff

[J44EAG]

Or a duff water pump perhaps. Was the original one re-used? Sometimes the impeller can part company from the drive shaft and just spin. The early V8 pumps could have just that happen or the impeller break up. Not heard of that issue though on the V6 which has a different pump fitted.

Mike

[MCALLISTERABERDOUR]

Pump was taken out and checked after the event and found to be okay. I am continuing to carry out the short runs and will monitor it to see if it's using/losing water plus check the dipstick for any signs. Once I am a bit more confident I will try for longer outings.
I've had it 8 years and it' used as a second car so I've decided to keep it for the present. It' taxed and mot'd until July plus the fact that I've already lost out financially on it. We will se how it goes.
John