First post, hello
Just bought my new scooby, took a gamble on a smoking radiator, it now looks like the overflow tube is spewing out Coolant, the temp gauge is fine (dead on half way), hot air/cool air is normal in the cabin, oil cap is not white etc... but still the coolant carry's on fleeing my car!

what could it be, is it likely to be the Head Gasket?, if so anyone an idea how much it costs to put right, and how long (if at all) can I drive around in my car in the state its in?

Thanks guys

[Edited by willgill - 20/03/2003 17:44:29]

 

You really need to get it checked out mate..
However, an air lock in the coolant system can also do the same

Rob

p.s. i had teh exact same sypmtoms and it was my head gasket..

 

My car has sufferred a blown head gasket without any signs of heating whatsoever. The only vague sign was a leaking heater matrix. It happened just like that - right at the same time the alternator decided to pack up as well. Spent ages chasing phantom electrical problems - even replaced the ecu but was head gasket in the end. You shouldn't drive the car in state - hell, my barely goes!

 

how much is it typically to get a HG changed? also should I get some extra work done whilst the engine is out?

 

I have a pair of new, unused head gaskets available £50 the pair.

1.6mm thickness suitable for early engines.

Mail for details if either of you are interested

paul

 

Thanks Paul but I might go for solid metal - wot difference these supposed to make anyway? I managed to find ONE standard gasket in my garage

 

You can go mad while the engine's out - very hard to restrict yourself on what to change cos it's normally quite a rare occasion to get the engine out.

 

I had the head gaskets replaced on my MY97WRX a few weeks back, and was advised to put in an uprated oil pump, I got a Roger Clark pump from Mark Aigin at Lateral Performance. My clutch was on its last legs so that got changed as well, also from Lateral. I also had the cambelt changed as well, even tough it had 15K to go before normal replacement.

Editted to add my Induction Pipe was perished beyond being able to be reused, so I got a Samco hose from Graham Goode, and as if my repair bill wasnt huge enough the cambelt tensioner was worn out as well!!.

[Edited by bruce - 3/21/2003 10:39:28 AM]

[Edited by bruce - 3/21/2003 10:45:05 AM]

 

^^^
How much did all that cost, I've budgeted for a similar scenario, I'm just hoping you paid less than a grand as I don't want to spend more than that

 

WillGill YHM

 

Had a friends car that displayed all the signs of a blown head gasket.Turned out the radiator cap spring was weak!Glad I changed that first,saved me a big job.
One way to check for sure is to remove cap (engine cold) top up with water and start engine.Let engine warm up while watching expansion tank.If head gasket is blown as car warms up you will get bubbles in the water.
TTFN