New head gasket required?
Discussion
A second opinion anyone?
My UK spec. 1990 turbo may have a problem with the cylinder head gasket. I've recently noticed that, with the engine warm, coolant often spills out of the expansion tank overflow - as it's designed to. But, after the engine has cooled again, the coolant level in the expansion tank doesn't drop much below the overflow even when the car hasn't moved for days.
I asked the opinion of a trusted mechanic who is familiar with the Esprit. He suggested that the cap on either the header tank or the expansion tank could be faulty, preventing the coolant from being drawn back into the header as the engine cools. However, he also recommended a check for hydrocarbons in the coolant. The test was carried out yesterday and, bad news.....bubbles of gas appeared in the header tank and the test probe detected 20-30ppm hydrocarbons at idle.
I've been quoted approx. 1,500 GBP to replace the head gasket which I'm told is best done with the engine and gearbox out. That's by a former Lotus mechanic who now has his own business specialising in high performance cars.
I'd appreciate a second opinion the work suggested and the cost estimate I've been given.
P.S. The car has never overheated or lost power.
My UK spec. 1990 turbo may have a problem with the cylinder head gasket. I've recently noticed that, with the engine warm, coolant often spills out of the expansion tank overflow - as it's designed to. But, after the engine has cooled again, the coolant level in the expansion tank doesn't drop much below the overflow even when the car hasn't moved for days.
I asked the opinion of a trusted mechanic who is familiar with the Esprit. He suggested that the cap on either the header tank or the expansion tank could be faulty, preventing the coolant from being drawn back into the header as the engine cools. However, he also recommended a check for hydrocarbons in the coolant. The test was carried out yesterday and, bad news.....bubbles of gas appeared in the header tank and the test probe detected 20-30ppm hydrocarbons at idle.
I've been quoted approx. 1,500 GBP to replace the head gasket which I'm told is best done with the engine and gearbox out. That's by a former Lotus mechanic who now has his own business specialising in high performance cars.
I'd appreciate a second opinion the work suggested and the cost estimate I've been given.
P.S. The car has never overheated or lost power.
A second opinion anyone?
My UK spec. 1990 turbo may have a problem with the cylinder head gasket. I've recently noticed that, with the engine warm, coolant often spills out of the expansion tank overflow - as it's designed to. But, after the engine has cooled again, the coolant level in the expansion tank doesn't drop much below the overflow even when the car hasn't moved for days.
I asked the opinion of a trusted mechanic who is familiar with the Esprit. He suggested that the cap on either the header tank or the expansion tank could be faulty, preventing the coolant from being drawn back into the header as the engine cools. However, he also recommended a check for hydrocarbons in the coolant. The test was carried out yesterday and, bad news.....bubbles of gas appeared in the header tank and the test probe detected 20-30ppm hydrocarbons at idle.
I've been quoted approx. 1,500 GBP to replace the head gasket which I'm told is best done with the engine and gearbox out. That's by a former Lotus mechanic who now has his own business specialising in high performance cars.
I'd appreciate a second opinion the work suggested and the cost estimate I've been given.
P.S. The car has never overheated or lost power.
Fife,
You can replace the head gasket with the engine in the car, but it is a lot of work and very difficult. If you are paying another to do the work, removing the engine/tranny is bound to be less expensive.
Be sure to replace all belts, hoses, seals and it might also be a good time to regrind the valves and possibly even have the head ported since it's off.
Be certain that your mechanic uses a 'Torque Angle Meter' rather than merely a 'Torque Wrench' when retightening the head. This is a new way of setting torque and the new head gaskets require this tool (very inexpensive, less than $15USD). Using a torque wrench will not properly torque the head using the loading figues supplied and will result in the gasket leaking again in short order. Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE
Not to hijack the thread, but are you saying your car needs a head gasket now?
Skerd said: I was quoted about 2/3 that amount. If you get it done, since the engine is already out, it would be a good time to do the transmission seals, timing belt, some hoses, etc. done also. The big costs of removing the engine can be amortized over other costs also.
fife90 said: Thanks for the advice. The plan is to change the timing belt and strip down the turbo wastegate while the engine's out, plus fitting a new thermostat and a radiator flush. That's all included in the price I've been given.
Brian.
Brian,
In addition, at least replace the front and rear crank seals, these are inexpensive. I would also replace the pilot or spigot bearing on the tranny input shaft, again, about a $10USD item. Consideration should also be given to replacing the engine mounts. Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE
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