The Saga contnues

[Mixmasta]

Hi all,

Update from me having to have my head gasket done.

I was told that after the work being carried out I had to wait for 500 miles before I could start driving my car again with any venom - which I have to stress was pretty difficult. My car has now covered the 500 miles and has been back to be set up, but in keeping with my recent luck, she's still displaying problems which seem to me to be related to the head gasket replacement but the mechanic states not.... could you help?

The symptoms are;

Intermittent coolant loss again without any trace of where it's going  I think that this is related to large volumes of smoke which is being kicked out of the exhaust (smells like coolant too)
Snotting (emulsified oil) all round the oil filler cap - but no emulsified oil in the sump?
Running like an absolute dog when you start it (when it starts)
Intermittently 'locking' the starter motor again
Running hot on the motorway - the oil temp on the MFA went to 106 before I noticed and slowed right down

My cars in again on Monday, but to be honest I'm not that sure the mechanic knows what the problem is and my car is just going back and forth to the garage.... anyone had similar probs or any ideas?

Thanks again guys

Mix

[richandhazel]

Sounds like the head may be warped so just replacing the head gasket will not be enough. When the head is off check it for warp/distortion and get it skimmed as required. I find the best way to check it is to use a piece of glass and some engineers blue..........I've skimmed a head myself using this method but its hard work and you'll probably prefer to get it done in a local machine shop...........take the minimum off that is necessary.

[Mixmasta]

Thanks for that.... the garage has skimmed the head and has had it pressure tested etc etc so really unsure

mix

[richandhazel]

Have you tried running the car up to temp with the cap off the header tank? Just wondering if you're pressurising the coolant system. The emulsion in the oil is a sure sign although you can get a small amount of it at this time of the year anyway, especially if you're only doing short runs. The water vapour out of the exhaust is also a good sign that the coolant is entering the combustion chamber, but again, you usually get a bit more of that happening as we head into winter anyway.....just condensation that has built up in the exhaust system.

So the garage has skimmed the head, pressure tested it and refitted with new head gasket.........and its doing it all again. I can only think that they have done something wrong.

I assume there is no chance that it is all residue from the previous failure? Another thing worth double checking, the water cooled oil cooler

[Tucker]

take her some where else and just get her pressure checked and timed up

Did they change the steam seals, flush engine of old oil and water?

ask/tell them for your money back

cheers
Tucker

[gibby]

106 for your oil temp is not too hot by the way. I've had mine up to 114 on a motorway run and she can creep up to 106 when I'm sat in traffic.

[Mixmasta]

Thanks all,

Re the flush out etc, yeah I gave them more cash to do a 'proper job' on it, flush it out a couple of times n put in some fully synthetic oil and decent filters along with a full service inc fuel filter and also the points etc. He reckons that the head has been fully flushed out which is adding to my concern that something serious could be at fault again. I can only think that it will be that or a rater unscrupulous mechanic - there's plenty of them about hey!

He did tell me that I need a new air flow sensor and cooling fan (which again is concerning as my car was running seriously mint before the head gasket went - I know that sounds like a contradiction in terms but it was) I t kind of seems that he's just inventing work/problems for extra cash, needless to say i ain't into that!!!!!

She's back in with him at the moment and I am awaiting his current synopsis of the prob, will keep you all posted as to whats what - I'm expecting mi motor back tomorrow

Thanks again guys!!!!!!!!

Mix

[bens_Cab]

Sounds like your having fun mate where abouts you from ive got a mint 8v gti lump sat in my garage thinking you may be better of buying another lump than throwing more money at hi ho silver mecanics

engine has 120k fsh miles on it only removed due to 20vt conversion


http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/ben.lomas1@btinternet.com/detail?.dir=6f14&.dnm=8ec2.jpg&.src=ph

[richandhazel]

take her some where else and just get her pressure checked and timed up

Did they change the steam seals, flush engine of old oil and water?

ask/tell them for your money back

cheers
Tucker

I would do what this guys says and try somewhere else.........from what I have been reading this sounds like job/money creation from a job that should have been done properly in the first place.

[Mixmasta]

yeah sounds like that to me too 

will have a think

thanks again guys