Head gasket problems how common

[joe90]

Before my gordini turbo goes back on the road is there any way of preventing head gaskets going pop!
I keep hereing horror stories about it from customers who come in & see my R5. Is it true? :?
Having nothing to do with the R5 turbo up untill now any advice would be helpfull.
Joe

 

[Mark]

Most probably talking about MK2 GT turbos, not so much of a problem for Gordini's, not the 4 i have owned over the years anyway.

Make sure your coolant is clean and the thermostat is working correctly, new ones can still be bought from halfords for around a fiver, just be sure to bleed the air when refilling as per Haynes manual.

Assuming the engine is standard, the coolant system is clean and the radiator fan cuts in like it should, no worries.

 

[r5gordini]

Yup - just make sure it doesn't overheat.

I would suggest that (other than overheating) the main cause of head gaskets blowing would be excessive turbo boost (not a problem in its own right but the knock-on effects could be).

Andrew

 

[joe90]

Thanks for the replys.
Yes everything is standerd & will be flushing out the coolant before i run it up properly
Thanks for the wastegate actuater andrew not fitted yet. ive just been cleaning the engine bay up first then doing a service on it.
Cheers
Joe

 

[ceebdub]

I have a manual override for my fan, for when its hot and I am queueing in traffic.Also if it is heating up in traffic throw the heater on flat out, it also helps. If all is as it should be and the car has been bled properly, it shouldnt overheat.