22 replies to this topic

[nicklouse]

Get it crack tested. Before going further. Get the head OKed before chasing other problems.

[juchong]

I'd be checking for a fine crack

 

What head gasket did you fit? (And you did fit a new one earlier today? Silly question I know .. but .. )

 

I fitted a Payen gasket from MossMotors in Virginia. I put everything together a few days ago, but didn't get to drive the car around until last night. 

[Rorf]

Possibly a cracked cylinder head. After fitting a new head gasket do not add coolant (use water only) until after a few heat cycles and the head is retorqued.

[juchong]

Quick update on this topic, it looks like my new cylinder head is cracked. I used a fiber optic camera to view inside the cylinder after warming the engine up and discovered a drip emanating from the spot between the intake and exhaust valves. The drip doesn't ever contact the interface between the cylinder wall and head, so it eliminates the possibility of a bad head gasket. A new head is in production and should be shipped soon!

[Rorf]

Well done for finding the problem, are the guys who supplied the head getting you another one?

[gazza82]

MiniSport wasn't it? ..

[DeanP]

Geeze, you'd think the supplier would have checked the head the cracks before refurb and shipping!

 

At lot of hassle for something that could have been avoided.

[juchong]

A replacement is currently being manufactured by MiniSport. Theyve been great about keeping the conversation open and discussing steps I should take to diagnose the leak. Im sure that the head was checked before shipping, but unfortunately UPS did a poor job getting the head over the pond. They misplaced half of the shipment when it was all first delivered, so I wouldnt be surprised if the head fell off of a pallet and cracked.

Edited by juchong, 29 November 2017 - 07:35 PM.