Dodgy Head Gasket?

[jam1et]

Hmmm. Had a coolant leak recently in my 92 Griff where the rubber hose from the swirl tank joins the metal pipe taking the coolant to the top of the rad. Took the pipe off and it was corroded a bit on the outside so the rubber hose not forming a good seal. Cleaned it up and put it back and all was ok. Then two days later my rad started leaking. Its a bit old and probably needs replacing so just stuck some rad weld in for now to see if it would work. All seemed ok - cant see any leaks or dripping coolant. BUT, it's still losing coolant, the level drops about an inch for every 100 miles.

Am I right in saying that if the head gasket is going it could increase presure in the system and start finding weak spots in the cooling system - thus explaning the recent leaks? It could also explain the subsequent drop in coolant. I havent seen any smoke from the exhaust - are there other tell-tail signs of dodgy head gasket that I can look for?

[steelnads]

I had a similar problem, 1 inch loss every 100 miles. I had the system pressure tested and there was a slight leak of steam from under a hose clip which was not visible to the eye. May I suggest you check the tightness of all your hose clips. Failing that get it pressure tested.

Steelnads

[TT Tim]

jam1et said:

Am I right in saying that if the head gasket is going it could increase presure in the system and start finding weak spots in the cooling system - thus explaning the recent leaks? It could also explain the subsequent drop in coolant. I havent seen any smoke from the exhaust - are there other tell-tail signs of dodgy head gasket that I can look for?

Yes, a head gasget leak could add pressure to the coolant system, but I would say it is unlikely. Have you checked for 'mayonaise' on the oil filler cap? That is the main one to check. Water and Oil when mixed give a rather nasty white sticky mess.

HTH

Tim

[UpTheIron]

TT Tim said:

jam1et said: Am I right in saying that if the head gasket is going it could increase presure in the system and start finding weak spots in the cooling system - thus explaning the recent leaks? It could also explain the subsequent drop in coolant. I havent seen any smoke from the exhaust - are there other tell-tail signs of dodgy head gasket that I can look for? Yes, a head gasket leak could add pressure to the coolant system, but I would say it is unlikely.

This is exactly the problem I had...

Coolant loss, especially after longer / faster runs
No signs of external leak
No steam from exhausts
No mayo

Pressure cap replaced
System pressure tested (all OK)
A hose sprang a leak (fixed)
System pressure tested (all OK)
Then radiator sprang a leak (fixed)
System pressure tested (all OK)
Then water pump/timing chain gasket (fixed)
System pressure tested (all OK)

Still the coolant loss problem remained and in the end the dealer took the heads off to find small leaks between waterway and 6 or 8 cylinders.

All the symptoms were as a result of combustion gases being forced into the cooling system and increasing the pressure.

All covered under warranty thankfully.

[jam1et]

Thanks guys. I think I'll replace the rad first as there was signs of previous corrosion in the place that it recently sprung a leak. There is also some slight corrosion in a different area. I'll do that first then get it pressure tested before I start worrying about head gaskets!

[chimburt]

i'd suggest you get a new pressure cap too. £2.50 from german, swedish and french.