MGB head issues

[neilr]

I got around to putting the stage 2 head I picked up on the car at the weekend, its all been running fine untile tonight when after about 2-3 mins of spirited driving (not over 4.5-5k) the temp suddenly shot right up. Fortunatly i was on the way to visit a friend and was metres away from their house. I couldn't see where the coolant had gone, but it took 1.5 litres to top up. I took it very easy on the way home and there was no problem at all. (about 3 miles)

However, its been fine since it went on and was fine before i caned it a ittle this evening, id been out for about 15-20 mins beforehand.

On replacing the head (payen gasket) the nuts on the head studs were tightend in the order specified by the manual, then carefully tightened to the correct torque setting (agasin in the specified order) and the tappets adjusted. (this was sunday night) Car did about 15 (gentle) miles at most and then retorqued (well, just checked nothing had slackened off) and re checked tappets.

Torque setting for head is given as 45-50 lb/ft so i set them at 50lb/ft.

Any ideas?

[wildoliver]

Leaking from plug side of head?

[neilr]

Ive just got back from pickingg up a new gasket set + thermostat just incase.

It does look like theresd a slight weeping from the plug side of the head yes, although a little oil has leaked from the new rocker cover gasket (nice) so its hard to be sure, im going to clean it all up, atart it up and see what happens....

The cars a late '72.


Cheers.

neil

[Talkwrench]

Maybe air in the cooling system. Was it thoroughly bled when refilled?

[wildoliver]

Get some brake cleaner. Sort the rocker box leak.

Blast the head are down with brake cleaner it will leave it nice and dry.

Find out what's leaking and from where. See whether it's losing water or oil. Check the usual, oil in water and vice versa and steam from exhaust.

[Huntsman]

Sounds like you did not get enough coolant in there when you did the job.

Keep an eye on that head by the plugs, I need to do mine there, although I am tempted to try k seal.

[wildoliver]

They always go there, although do be aware if the bottom of the header tank splits it only sprays water out when very hot and always sprays that area and best of all you can't actually tell it's gone till you remove it and see the crack in the solder.