21 Turbo E921 BUR

[NathanH21]

Not yet andy no.

 

[Brigsy]

Sniff test on header tank..its a fair chance the headgasket has let go if steamy

 

[NathanH21]

Smells of combustion gases.

 

[andybond]

Smells of combustion gases.

I am pretty sure that @Brigsy means a gas sniff test from a garage , not sticking your nose over the hole on the expansion tank!

Howling here !

 

[DaveL485]

So a coolant hose has breached, its got very hot and now its displaying symptoms of head gasket...

2+2=…

The tank refills when you release the cap because the water in the engine is boiling when not under pressure. The expanding gas in the system pushes water back up to the header tank.

Doesn't sound good. Sorry buddy.

 

[NathanH21]

Feel a right tool now! If I'm honest, I've never heard of a sniff test so assumed it was just that
Only reason I queried the coolant tank level is ive never noticed the level drop when up to temp on any other cars I've had, it's always remained constant.

 

[NathanH21]

Sniff test happening on Monday. I may take the opportunity to sort out a few other niggles if the head needs to come off. Still need to fit the new water pump and cambelt etc.

 

[NathanH21]

Bit of bad news. Couldn't even get the car to the garage to test it. Cranked and locked up. Suspect it's hydrolocked one of the cylinders. Going to take the sparks out and crank it, see which cylinder shoots coolant out.

 

[NathanH21]

Cylinder 4 full of coolant

 

[andybond]

DOH! At least you know now ..

 

[DaveL485]

Cylinder 4 full of coolant

Payen DX590
Cambelt is 119 x 3/4, 115 teeth
5w50 synthetic
NGX BP7EFVX or TR71X gapped to .55mm
Replace all the exhaust studs, any that shear get them spark eroded while the heads off
Have it resurfaced and vapour blasted and have the cam cover blasted too including having the breather plate removed and the gauze cleaned.

Just my 2p worth/what I usually do.

 

[NathanH21]

I always appreciate your advice

 

[NathanH21]

So, got back off holiday the other day. Started working on the Turbo. Took the head off. No sheared or rounded bolts either!

 

[andybond]

Inspection notes.
1 : Dirty
2: Dirty
3: Dirty
4: Spotless.

I think we found the issue boss...

 

[NathanH21]

Picture was taken after I'd wiped the pistons with a bit of degreaser, my bad. But they all had an even coating of carbon. Couldn't find any evidence of gasket failure. Couldn't visibly see a cracked liner either. Cleaned up the combustion chamber and it visibly looks ok. Corrosion is because it's been sat for a week.

 

[NathanH21]

I'm back at work tomorrow so taking the head in to clean it up, crack test and get a straight edge on it. Popped by my mates garage today with the head and gasket for an expert opinion and he's pretty sure the gasket has gone on the back right where it has blistered (you can just make it out in the last photo).

 

[NathanH21]

Didn't need the dye to see this...



Anyone got a spare head?

 

[andybond]

:thatsnasty:

Ouch.

I have chemical metalled worse though

 

[ren5gord]

Pressure test it as well before you write off the head.

That head was from Dave S it is ported and has 3 angle seats in.

 

[DaveL485]

Pressure test it as well before you write off the head.

That head was from Dave S it is ported and has 3 angle seats in.

Ah is it that one? That came off a well specced engine. Its a common place for them to go, they're otherwise pretty solid. You can repair them if you can be arsed too, with a good machine shop and a tig welder with a light touch!