Warning for GT4 owners!!! READ THIS.

Warning for GT4 owners!!! READ THIS.

Author
Discussion

deltaf

Original Poster:

6,806 posts

254 months

Monday 26th January 2004
quotequote all
I have unfortunately found myself landed with an engine rebuild due to the failure of a minor "o" ring.

The "O" ring in question is fitted to the radiator drain valve at the bottom left of the rad (looking at front of car).

The story is this; After draining the old coolant and mixing up a fresh batch in readiness for the cold weather being forecast, the drain valve is turned a few turns to drain the old coolant.
However, after being screwed back in and the coolant topped up and checked for leaks (none found) the car was taken for a brisk run.
Somewhere along that run the "o"ring failed and was blown out of its fitted location causing a nice warped head complete with a whacking great oil leak, presumably due to heat warpage.
Of interest is the fact that the temperature gauge read normally and the heater was working correctly.
The only symptom noted (brother was driving it) was a drop in power.

That rebuild i was planning anyway has just turned into a reality rather quicker than id imagined....it was going so well too. Oh well a visit to the forged piston shop is in order..amongst others!

The "O" ring gets cut in half/splits when the drain valve is screwed back into location and gets blown out by coolant pressure...result being that you dont know about it until its too late.
Dont let it happen to you, get em checked/changed.

(may also apply to MR2 carina, avensis etc).


>>> Edited by deltaf on Monday 26th January 10:05

Mr E

21,635 posts

260 months

Monday 26th January 2004
quotequote all
Eeeek....

I'm never changing my coolant again.....



Seriously Delta old boy, bad news. Not terminal, as you were planning a rebuild anyway. But it's nice to do this when you want, not when the car wants.

2nd Gen 3S-GTE yes? Is the 3rd gen of similar design in that area?

deltaf

Original Poster:

6,806 posts

254 months

Monday 26th January 2004
quotequote all
Im not sure mate. Its could well be tho.
All i know is when i took the drain valve out, the "O"ring was in two pieces.....there must be a sharp edge inside the radiator that chops them as theyre inserted.
Think ill apply a small countersink to the edge and releive it before it all goes back together.
Failing that ill block off the offending item completely...what a friggin day!

Shame as the motor was well wicked since the turbo and cooler were installed...hell it blows away porsches like theyre nothing...scoobies too...(did i just make a joke? scoobytoo? )

deltaf

Original Poster:

6,806 posts

254 months

Monday 26th January 2004
quotequote all
Gazboy said:


lol double