Cylinder head gasket...

[moschops_72]

well, got all my oils changed (motor, gearbox and diff), when i collected, the mechanic told me my cylinder head gasket was probably gone.... *gulp*

what to do? help!

I'm looking at getting more power, and was thinking of a rolling road session with mark adams, as well as new cams... any ideas on cost please... really worrying time for me...

Thanks for any help offered,

Jeff

[rat]

Head gasket replacement is done with engine in situ, so not THAT bad if caught early. Prolonging it (if there IS a problem) could lead to corrosion that can be terminal for the head or block in extreme cases. Don't be tempted to use any old replacement gasket, because the thickness affects your cam follower preload. Your removed cylinder head should also be skimmed flat, which will probably affect cam preload settings.

You would save some potentially duplicated cost because both head gasket and camshaft replacement done separately require resetting the preload if done properly. Neither of the cylinder heads need to come off for a camshaft change though.

Cam change is usually done with engine out though, so £500 [EURO10,000,000 ] before the repair work even begins. You CAN do it by removing the radiator and pulling the camshaft out that way, but not many places will do the job the hard way to save you money.

What evidence of head gasket or cam problems are there?

[moschops_72]

Mechanic saying probably gasket due to leakage around head gasket, no probs with cam at all... just thinking about getting more power

Jeff

[shpub]

The head gasket will cost around the £700 mark ish depending on what needs to be replaced. It is definitely worth getting the cam state checked and replaced if necessary to save the cost of the strip down work. Usually done with the engine in situ.

If the gasket has gone and you are getting water in the oil or exahust then don't delay or drive the car thinking it won't be a problem. It is very easy to wreck a set of heads and then the bill is around £4000 ish.

[Boosted LS1]

I'd have the diagnosis confirmed with a compression check for the head gasket and as for cams, I'd stop at just the one

[rat]

As coincidence would have it, I learned today that Peninsula do cam changes without removing the engine.

[rat]

Steve,
Certainly not disputing your wide knowledge, so please don't misinterpret my question. I once replaced head gasket on my 635 for about £80 in parts, £60 for the skim and took about 10 hours of my nervous novice time. I once had head gasket replaced on my MkIII escort (4 cyl OHC) by a garage for £90 (inc parts and 3 hours labour). What's so different about a Rover v8 head (4 cyl pushrod) that would take the price up to £700?

Is it the valeting?

Andy

[colinrob]

I had my cam replaced by penninsula for approx £500 including the new cam kit jeff YHM

[moschops_72]

Thankyou all,

I called up a place in England (Austec) they were VERY helpfull, i took up 30 mins of their time... (that's where the cost gets to £700... in phonecalls from the continent ) They have talked through everything in detail, so even a Mechanic-blonde like myself could understand, we spoke of maybe getting the car picked up from Harwich, which was no problem at all.

Note for Podie... think i got ya a free Bumper sticker

Heres hoping i'll get the same great service from Austec as the infamous podie... maybe if i don my TVR Pit-Shirt, maybe do a "podie-pose", and wear my dark shades, i may get the free Bumper sticker myself.... is that fraud???

I'll Keep you posted on this, again, MANY thanks to all who help the mechanically-challenged people on here, you are all appreciated, thankyou!!!

Jeff

(looks like i'm gonna have to put £100 behind the bar... will you guys stop being so damned helpful!!!)

[trefor]

rat said:

As coincidence would have it, I learned today that Peninsula do cam changes without removing the engine.

I seen this done - remove the water/oil pumps n' associated gumf and unbolt the chassis bar across the front (sometimes the Swirl pot bolts to this). I can't remember if it fits in/out without removing the radiator - I think it does though.

Obviously you need to take the all the top end stuff off to remove the pushrods.

[moschops_72]

Well, spoke with Mike at Austec again today, all confirmed, i'll be taking the motor to him on 22nd, flying back here 23rd then back on a plane to collect on the 19th Dec... god... almost 4 weeks... i was doing my nut when it went away for 2 weeks.... what am i going to be like after 4 weeks.. just thought... i'm off to the states on the 29th Dec for 3 weeks... nooooooooooooo what if she doesn't recognise me when i get back???

Jeff

[moschops_72]

Just an update for those who may be interested....

Well, cams are ummmm... i think the technical word is fked, also the follewers... lucky me engine out jobbie, so they're replacing big 'n' little ends, cylinder head gasket, putting more agressive hydraulic cams in... wellll, since they needed replacing

I have the upmost confidence in the guys from austec, and must admit, i really trust them 100%, no BS with them, and it's nice to know my car is in very good hands... maybe i'll get a go of that realllllllly shiney marcos that's keeping my chimaera company

Looking forward to the 19th Dec now..

Jeff

P.S. thankyou for all the assistance you nice people gave me, i really can't say how nice it is to call on expert , fellow owners help when needed.

[Pies]

That marcos belongs to "mutleytvr" (just for info)

Next time my camera goes everywhere with me

Glad its all sorted now

[moschops_72]

Pies said:

That marcos belongs to "mutleytvr" (just for info) Next time my camera goes everywhere with me Glad its all sorted now

Me too... i think we'll need to ahem "borrow" mutleys marcos... could do with some driving around... just sits there looking nice... such a shame.. up for it pies?

[Pies]

wonder if thats the new loan car

[Trefor]

There's still only one camshaft on the RV8 Moschops ... I'm sure they're not trying to fit two!

[jellison]

£700 to do head gaskets! you are having a laugh!
It's only a simple rover lump...

[shpub]

jellison said:

£700 to do head gaskets! you are having a laugh! It's only a simple rover lump...

It ain't quite that simple....
If the gasket has gone then the heads need skimming and checking... Worth doing both sides as any overheating is likley to have killed both and the labour cost is about the same. The gaskets and stretch bolts are around £200 IIRC. Then if you have air con, that has to be degassed and then recharged... The valve gear needs to be reset and pre-load redone...