Neilg7777

iTrader: (9)

Hi all need to change my head gasket on my Vectra 1.6e run around I have been told it is straight forward to do by just removing the head and replacing the gasket. Anybody done this as any advise would be great.
Thanks Neil

petedotuk

Why has the head gasket failed?
Biggest tip is to fix why it failed or it will fail again.

Ensure timing marks are spot on and turn over by hand before cranking it with the key.

stedee

iTrader: (4)

and make sure head is not warped

one reason for hgs going is using water as coolant instead of antifreeze

Neilg7777

iTrader: (9)

Loosing water with no signs of a leak and the car is rough first thing and then ok. I am thinking of changing it just incase it is that just to be sure. It is only a run around not worth more than £500 but cant afford a new car if it does go.
Thanks Neil

stedee

iTrader: (4)

should be easy enough ,check the hg though when you take it off, make sure it is that, as said b4 using water instaed of antifreeze rots the gaskets, ive had a few cars need ing hgs because of that.

Neilg7777

iTrader: (9)

See head gaskets for £20 so if it is simple to do it will be worth it for £20

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Waste of £20 though if it's NOT that?

Could any pipes be perished/split? My Scoob top-hose cracked, producing a pinhole that squirted a really fine jet of coolant out while under pressure. The water level went down, but the gaskets were OK.

Can you get a garage to do a sniff test?