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Possible Head Gasket Blown - Say it ain't so

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N

Naomi

Jedi Hopeful
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The hubby was checking the spark plugs yesterday on my 80 to see if the new Weber set-up is right. The plugs were a nice brown and he said it was perfect. There was a little problem though. The number two plug (second from front-third from rear) had a tiny bit of antifreeze around it. Well we haven't put any antifeeze in it in a long time so it's not something we dropped there. When the hubby pulled the plug it was much tigher in place than the others but was burning okay. He had to wire brush the threads on that plug and put some never seize on it before he put it back in. He said he "thinks the head gasket is leaking". Tell me it ain't so--please---I want to work on the 64 to get it ready for MG 2006. He ain't right is he /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif


Your turn,
 
Well, if everything else is working (no symptoms of valve probs, etc.) a head gasket replacement won't be too big a deal: four hours or so. Compression test first. And if you don't have one go to the local "AutoZone" and 'rent' a radiator pressure tester, put it on the rad and start the car... it (the gauge) shouldn't climb with a "heartbeat" motion. if it does the head gasket is shot. Other indicators are less subtle: Oil will be "chocolate mousse" or coolant will be "milky"... catch it before it causes more concern (and $$!).
 
Naomi - is there any white smoke out the tailpipe? If not, do what Doc says to check for minor head gasket problem. & Doc's right - easy repair - very inexpensive...Bill will just have to take all that Weber stuff back off

Now (& here's the big GULP), have Bill look at the head very, very closely - with a magnifying glass if possible - all aound the #2 & #3 sparkplugs....what he's looking for is a fine line crack...I know, I know...but I've gotta tell you to do it.....clean the head real good & then take the car out & drive it until the temperature reaches normal.....immediately upon turning the engine off open the hood & inspect for leaks....you probably won't find any but it'll give you peace of mind

Then go down to Advance Auto & order a FELPRO head gasket - start Saturday morning & be driving Saturday afternoon...
 
Wow, the solutions to problems on this bbs are immediate!!!
By the way I just drove the car 300+ miles day on Thursday and it ran great. Drove it yesterday and it ran great. We will do just as the both of you have suggested and will report back. Thanks so much,
 
Na - did you get my PM's from the 'other' site?
 
Just be happy it's not a fuel injected overhead cam v-6. I hope my headgasket/bolt set comes before thursday. I really want to get my toyota back on the road in the next 2 weeks. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
 
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