overheating

[SPANNERNUT]

out for a drive yesterday and next thing there was a burning acrid smell coming from the engine stopped and switched engine off but it kept running had to put it in gear to stall it engine was so hot the paint was smearing on block .
after a few minutes slowly opened the header tank cap it was full to the top with water. as i was near home i started it and went home ,an hour or so later i checked the water level in rad nil took 2 kettles full of water but it is stillrunning very well no missing, no water in oil but a slight bit in the water,so it seems head gasket gone ,is it necessary to skim the head before fitting new gasket.and is it possible there could be internal damage ?
any suggestions welcome.

 

[mikespain]

Hi-Have the head checked for warping and check waterpump and change the thermostat as a matter of course.Serious overheating can affect the pistons and rings,check the bores for signs of piston siezure and top of pistons for signs of melting but if it is still running well then it would seem that there is no further damage and I would replace the headgasket,check the head and carry on enjoying your car.

 

[SPANNERNUT]

yes i will take the head off tomorrow. have ordered a headset from the UK i will get the head checked and skimmed during the week hope fully there's no internal damage it had to go as we are getting the good weather now hopefully it will last for a while thanks

 

[regularman]

If you had done serious damage the rings would have cracked and it would be smoking like hades.