Head Gasket (4.6 HSE 1997)

[Ocean53]

The initial message was deleted from this topic on 02 May 2011 at 14:27

[Denis O]

Probably HG although a number of other possibilities. You need it looked at by an expert.

Try these guys.

http://www.terrainvehicles.co.uk/

who are along the coast from you in Bexhill.

[paintman]

Emulsification in the oil filler cap can be from condensation within the engine(very common in cars used frequently for short journeys)& should not automatically be assumed to be HGF.

The bigger V8s also suffer from liner issues. Unfortunately the symptoms are the same as HGF. Cure is top hat liners or a replacement block.
Are you losing much water?

Any of the plugs look unusually clean? - as in look like new - as water going into a cylinder will effectively steam clean that cylinder.
Any overheating problems?
Does the top hose go rock hard when the engine is up to temperature?
Is it throwing water out of the expansion tank?
With the cap removed & engine running does it fizz like a jacuzzi?
Get the coolant checked for the presence of exhaust gases. If positive this could be HGF OR liner issues. Not possible to tell which without removing heads
Get a compression test done.

Edited by paintman on Thursday 10th February 00:58

[Chris x]

Denis O said:

Probably HG although a number of other possibilities. You need it looked at by an expert.

Try these guys.

http://www.terrainvehicles.co.uk/

who are along the coast from you in Bexhill.

Thesse guys are great. Have been down there a lot for advice - parts. Infact im going down there now to pick up some bits. Highly recomended!