3rd Head Gasket Failure
 

Hey guys I'm after a bit of advice,

I've got a very early model Hawkeye STI with what I can only think is a 2.5 litre engine made out of pure chocolate (not cadburys, probably that nasty kinerton stuff).

I had the head gasket replaced after about 18k, then it went again around the 40k mark (they had to skim the head and replace a piston this time), and now in the run up to christmas its on its way out again (60k).

The previous times it went, it was under warranty, but now the extended warranty has run out, i'm weighing up my options.

My thinking is this, I'd love to keep the car, but constantly checking the temperature gauge is getting really boring. The repairs have previously all been done by the main dealer, and i'm very happy with them. I'd love to take it a specialist like API (I've only heard good things) and let them have a crack at fixing it, but is there anyway to strengthen the engine to prevent it happening again? I know I could go for forged internals etc, and I know there are no guarantees but are head gasket failures just par for the course with my particular model, and should I just move on to a different car?

I'd love to hear anyones thoughts, because I really don't know what to do with it. Its gutting because my previous 2litre was bullet proof, and the current car has no performance mods at all and it feels like I have to tip toe around with it.

Thanks Guys
Dave

Forged pistons and the high tensile cosworth heads studs with cosworth head gaskets.

11mm head studs and a quality hg gasket like cometric or cosworth.

Also get the map/fuelling checked, it might be something like the fuel pump is weak and it is lean and detting causing the gasket failure.

You can also get the block pinned so the liners cannot move.

Simon

As Simon has said, there must be something causing the problem, you can upgrade gaskets/bolts etc etc, but if the car is relatively std it shouldn't be blowing gaskets for no reason. You could upgrade everything but that could just cause a bigger failure, fuel pump, injectors, pressure reg etc need checking and a re-map to be safe.

Thanks guys for the really rapid responses.

You've made me feel a bit better knowing there are potential fixes, as WMS suggested I will get it looked into, but now at least i'm coming down on the side of keeping it. Every sensible part of me and the vast majority of the people I ask, tell me to get rid of it. But I if you can't have a bit of fun whats the point in it all :)

Keep it, solve the problem, enjoy it.

Can I just mention, at this point, that I know that older cars often have their big end bearings let go after a headgasket repair.
Might be worth fitting a decent set of bearings when the engine is out?

We fix these regularly with a pair of new head gaskets and a set of 11mm APi made head studs. Once done it can be forgotten about. Standard gaskets are fine, In fact I prefer them to Cometic. Cosworth ones are OK and in some cases cheaper, but they often go out of stock unless the guys at Cosworth have got their act together at last.

Call me if I can help

David APi

019216 614333

Thanks David,
I almost gave you a ring a minute ago, I'm still umming and arring a bit about what to do, the dealership are going to give me an idea about what its worth. If I fix it (which is what i'm favouring at the moment) i'm toying with the idea of going the forged internals route because its always felt a bit underpowered but given its problems i've been too scared to mod it, and its always nice to turn a negative into a positive :) (although i've just moved so money wise can't get too carried away) But given the stirling reviews you always get, you'd be my first port of call for getting it fixed. If its ok i'll give you ring about it tomorrow when i've got an idea about its current value.

Thanks
Dave

Fit a set of our forged pistons in to overcome the ring land failures and it'll be good for 450hp with the right bits on the outside of the engine.

AND totally reliable at 1.55 bar boost [ the VF43 turbo you have might not be though .....]

Call if I can help, David

Good luck on the trade in, car sales are crap at the moment, lets see how brave they are with their offer.

I just bought an 07 Spec D out of dealers, that had been traded in with a busted engine, quite cheaply.

I am in the same position as the op.
Boost related hgf
i want to go fully forged to start with.
Then i can up the power when finances allow knowing i have a solid base to begin with.
I have a 2006 sti spec d
good luck whatever you choose to do

Do I see a group buy coming on here ? :luxhello::D

id be in on the group buy :luxhello:

sounds good got any prices and specs please

Pm'd

also pm'd

+1

Hi guys Ive got a hawkeye. U got me worrying if my hg got. Lol

Headgasket Issue
 

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Pm'd

+1

Got a time machine handy?

pm'd