Coolant leak

[jeff1954]

Hi Guys
I could be wrong on this and I hope I am. I don't think that K Seal will cure a head gasket problem as I would imagine there is to much pressure due to the compression in the cylinder where the gasket has failed. But as Mike says there is no great loss in trying.

Jeff

[MCALLISTERABERDOUR]

Thanks Jeff, That's basically how I see it as well. I am giving it a shot based on nothing to loose anyway.
By the way out if curiosity I am estimating at around 1200 to 1500 pounds for strip out and repair of the head gasket/s. Anybody any idea.
Also would it be advisable for both heads to be done assuming the problem is with one of the gaskets ? Engines out anyway.

[jeff1954]

I don't know about the price for the job. But I would definatly have both the gaskets changed working on the principal that they have both done the same amount of mileage ect

Jeff

[J44EAG]

I agree totally.

If one gasket has had it, the chances are that the other will not be far behind it.

Suggest a full receipt for work done be obtained. I`d be wanting to see exactly what parts had been changed with the mileage of the car detailed. A useful document to have on the car file.

Mike

[MCALLISTERABERDOUR]

Thanks. I've got the K Seal. Cars in garage at the moment getting the rear wheel ABS sensor done. Will clear up the electrical gremlin. K seal going in tomorrow and I will run it to see the results ( hopefully improve or even stop it for a while ).
Plan is, if no improvement, after holiday in September to get cylinders checked out and take it from there. Either a second hand engine or strip down and repair ( both heads ) over the winter period. Too far down the line to let this go to a scrappy for a song.
Haven't told the misses yet.

Be in touch to let you know about the K seal.

Cheers

[MCALLISTERABERDOUR]

Put the K seal in through the expansion tank ( couldn't figure out how to release the top hose clip to put it in through that ) and have down around 150 miles since over a series of 4 to 5 days. Water level seems to drop for a short time in the expansion tank when the engine is at normal temperature causing the warning light to come on. This happens when the revs drop usually when pulled up at a junction or lights and goes out again normally after a short distance.
Seems a lot better now although I think I still have a slight leak in the gasket. Not so much pressure in the system as there was before and when the pressure is released slowly when unscrewing the cap you can hear the water coming back into the expansion tank again. Haven't added any water at all and the level seems to be okay so far. Temperature gauge is fine.
Will run it and monitor it for a month or two to see how it goes, get the system flushed out and possibly put more K seal in through the top hose this time.
Hopefully enough to stave off the inevitable for a wee while.

[J44EAG]

Check that water level when cold every time you decide to use the car until the situation shows signs of stabilisation or failure.

At least then you will have given it your best shot and can make further plans once you know where you now stand.

Mike

[MCALLISTERABERDOUR]

It's a matter of course now Mike, I watch that and the temperature gauge like a hawk. Confined to short journeys of 40/50 miles max at the moment as well in it.
Out of interest had an off the cuff rough estimate from my local garage of around £1400/1500 for head gasket repairs. Both heads stripped, skimmed and refitted.

Let you know in due course of progress. Thanks for all your interest.

[jeff1954]

If the K Seal works I would leave well alone as by flushing it out and changing it may undo the good work already achieved.

Jeff