8v mk2 blowing head gasket? - hard or not?

[AUTOYPISTA]

Ok, finally fixed the erratic running and took her back to the garage for a re-MOT and she failed again!! In the few days between the MOT she has developed a blow from the manifold area. It was TOO hot to check properly at the garage, but they seemed to think it was the exaust manifold to head gasket that was blowing (they used a long piece of hose and you could hear it). However, when revved it seems to quiten down. They suggested waiting till she was cold and checking all the fittings as it may just need a tighten, but looking at them they are all very rusty. Is this a possible cause. If not, I will need to strip down and replace. Is that a hard job? Or should I put it into a garage. My toolbox contains about 5 spanners and 10 sockets. Will I be opening a can of worms for myself and if not, where do I start? Thanks in advance. Oh yes, she is an 8v mark 2 on an 89 plate.

[AUTOYPISTA]

Originally it failed on the wandering idle...400 up to 2000 then down again, so the CO mix was too high..fixed that problem..took her back to re-mot and it was fine, but the manifold was blowing. The mot tester is someone I know well and he said that it would fail again due to that problem!

[richandhazel]

I believe its quite a common problem for the Mk2 exhaust manifold to crack. I have one in my garage that bears testimant to this. Could be that and not blowing from the gaskets at all.

[Rally_Chris]

Had this same problem on my gf's 1.8 mk2 last year, first replaced the (expensive!) downpipe section of the exhaust but the 'tractor' exhaust note continued. Had to send it to my local garage in the end to replace the manifold gasket in the end as I couldn't face the hassle of doing it myself (rusted studs etc....) - anyway this sorted it, so I guess it must be a common problem particularly if the engine mounts are getting a bit loose at high mileage.