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Thread: Head gasket failure, what to do next?

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    Ghost_2008's Avatar

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    Head gasket failure, what to do next?

    So I have had some cooling related issues over the last year, I have eliminated all other likely causes of said issue. It's not a problem on short journeys but on a long one it spits out enough coolant to cause temperature creep.

    So question is what next?

    Everything else seems to run great and so it should, New gearbox, New diff, everything serviced with amsoil. No heavy mods, bov, mbc, fmic, exhaust nice rims.....

    Body and belly are straight and rust free but recently I premiered the body in white, effectively matte white.

    I could sell, but on an honest sale I wouldn't get much

    I have spoken to eurospec and an estimate of £1500 upwards for the head gasket replacement is a bit much.

    For £1800 the're maybe an option of a full rebuilt engine swap...... Still a lot but preferable......

    Alternatively buy a doner car .......

    Or buy a new car all together?

    In all honesty any reasonable suggestions that cost £2000 and less would be great......

    Cheers
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

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    Hi Adam,

    When my engine went I was able to pick a second engine up very cheaply. So far the engine is still going well (touch wood), there was an engine for £400 on eBay and if you can do the change yourself it would be a lot cheaper. I had never done an engine change on a car before and never mind 4 wheel drive. Done plenty if motorbike stuff and I was able to get it changed. I was lucky I had a place with space to do it, there is loads if good info on here and that's what I used to do mine.

    If you have any questions I'll try and help as much as I can.
    Marc

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    I have an engine which was in Atik's old car. It was said to have an oil leak but as its out of the car it should be relatively easy to fix. If you want to make me an offer, I don't want too much for it.

    If you want to know anything about it, please ask @Atik.

    '97 Manual Legnum in silver with some subtle mods

    My first VR4 - '97 Legnum Dark Green & mean ...it was love at first sight - now sold

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by TAR View Post
    I have an engine which was in Atik's old car. It was said to have an oil leak but as its out of the car it should be relatively easy to fix. If you want to make me an offer, I don't want too much for it.

    If you want to know anything about it, please ask @Atik.

    If you are interested in this engine, ask away. It produced good power and ran almost SILENT. It was the quietest VR4 engine I have come across.
    1997 Mitsubishi RVR HSGR : 2.0 4G63T, 4 seats and the seating position from a truck
    2009 Ford Mondeo : 2.2TDCi, 4 wheels, some plastics, some metal and some seats
    Former owner of The Mongrel (RIP 2011) and The Rednum (RIP 2014)

  5. #5
    Ghost_2008's Avatar

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    Thanks for replies guys, I would love to do the swap myself, but a lack of space and tools would make it difficult.....

    I am definitely interested in the engine, what was the mileage, has it had any work done to it, where was the oil leaking from? Also is that the complete unit including turbos?

    Is there anyone in the club who could perform the swap? I know we used to have a couple not far from me but they are no longer around...... Otherwise it's likely to be Eurospec.....

  6. #6
    hardarse's Avatar

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    if everything is still good on the engine mate i would get the head skimmed and put a new gaskets and bolts. where i am the skimming is around £40 andthe labour would be around £500. not sure on price of gaskets and bolts. but then you know its all sweet. as if you get another engine it might have other problems.

  7. #7
    Ghost_2008's Avatar

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    I may have access to a fully rebuilt complete engine including turbines.... Around £1000, to fit is a further £750 ish if I go to eurospec......

    It's a lot of cash to keep her going, since buying the car six years ago I've already replaced the gearbox and rear diff.... So I guess there's not much else to go wrong......

  8. #8
    Ghost_2008's Avatar

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    Well, I managed to secure a fully rebuilt engine for £1000, plus fitting and full Ayc service, plus two new tyres..... I'm proper skint, but I will have a complete pease of mind that nothing is going to let go soon...... Depending on price I might even manage to get the wheels refurb'd....... A full respray and she'll all shiny and New......

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    Good result!

  10. #10
    Ghost_2008's Avatar

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    Yeah, I'm please she's going to keep going, proper mungral.... Different gear box, engine and diff.....

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    Great to hear this Adam, keep these bad boys rolling!

  12. #12
    Ghost_2008's Avatar

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    So finally after a three week wait, the engine is in, the car is back and I'm driving like Miss Daisy is sitting in the back...... It's so hard to stay off boost, but I'll cope....,

    The engine runs great and looks good, intake plenum and front rocker cover are powder coated black/charcoal grey....

    Anyway, I bought the ECU Swinks had for sale recently, not sure if it will work but we'll see, a new fuel pump and ebc will be on the way shortly I hope.... Although I have just resigned from my current job with nothing lined up so cash might be a little tight for the moment....

    On a side note anyone have experience of hdi Ebc's?

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