Coolant leak from head gasket

[mtvrg]

Just had a service at Hendry's - no probs as usual but they said I had a coolant leak from the left head gasket (rear end).

They reckon on £800-1000 to get both heads off, skim them, and fit new gaskets, and don't recommend doing a trackday with all that extra heat and stress (to the engine, not the driver!).

Anyway, I'm not about to jump in with both feet yet, so has anybody had a similar problem or got any thoughts on this one?

Cheers
Mike (Raspberry Gloves)

[mtvrg]

Thanks everyone, especially SteveH. (Looks like I'd better upgrade from Bible1 to Bible2 sometime).

I'll ring around for alternative quotes...

[mtvrg]

Thanks NC3 - You're not the first to recommend TVR Power, and indeed I booked the job in with them this very morning. Cheers, Mike

[mtvrg]

The 'estimate' was 8 hours plus parts plus a possible head skim plus vat for one bank. (14 hours plus for both sides if you think that's necesary).

They charge £44 per hour so with, say, £50 for gaskets and bolts, etc, one bank comes to about £500 or so.

[mtvrg]

That's a fair point, if you have the time and the confidence. Unfortunately I don't really have either.

Also, I have been led to believe (NOT by TVR Power I might add), that you cannot get the head(s) off without first removing the engine from the bay...

[mtvrg]

Interesting! - I'm certainly a lot happier knowing that my 'source' was wrong and that it's an engine-in job (less to cock up that way).

Thanks.