I think I have HGF... :-(

[Spingo]

My symptoms:

Slight coolant leak from very front of head where it meets the block.

However, coolant is clear and no mayo on oil.

But... I think I know deep down where this is going to end.

So, what do you reckon - £500 garage bill?

[Shaun_E]

Intake or exhaust side? It may not be HGF.
If intake then check the intake manifold gasket - these can leak at one end and the water runs to the other end of the block.
If exhaust side then check the water rail gasket - leaking coolant also runs along the head gasket joint.
See here about half way down.

[Spingo]

Exhaust side.

I have check for leaks from elsewhere, but found nothing. However, your post has given me a glimmer of hope, so will check again!

[The Wookie]

Don't worry, if it hasn't overheated then even if the HGF has failed, there's nothing to worry about, it's a straightforward swap and shouldn't cost more than a couple of hundred quid from a decent indy

[Incorrigible]

The Wookie said:

Don't worry, if it hasn't overheated then even if the HGF has failed, there's nothing to worry about, it's a straightforward swap and shouldn't cost more than a couple of hundred quid from a decent indy

It depends on the age of the car and the gamble you want to take. I nearly always strip the head completely, skim it and fit new seals, head bolts etc. just bunging a new gasket on may solve the problem, possibly even for years.

But then as the Wookie says it's less than a couple of hundred quid all in

[bertie]

If you are unlucky enough for it to be HGF, make sure the garage swap the plasitc dowels that are the root cause of it all (and were only used in production for a short period of time) for the metal ones that come with the head gasket.

Many garages just change the head gasket and leave the plastic dowels in as they are a bugger to remove, but then, what a surprise, it goes again!

[fergus]

bertie said:

If you are unlucky enough for it to be HGF, make sure the garage swap the plasitc dowels that are the root cause of it all (and were only used in production for a short period of time) for the metal ones that come with the head gasket.

Many garages just change the head gasket and leave the plastic dowels in as they are a bugger to remove, but then, what a surprise, it goes again!

More importantly, make sure they check that the liner heights are correct..... This will cause your gasket to potentially go again if they are not set correctly, even if you have steel dowels. Speak to DVA for a definitive solution. You do NOT need a 'competition' gasket if the job is done correctly - Even for a high power K.