20 replies to this topic

[thebullet]

I have a 1983 Mini Sprite 998cc

The head gasket seems to have bubbles coming from the back left corner leaking almost browny watery stuff and at the front by the number on the block.

I have only noticed this after a long drive when it really gets fully up to tempreture. It was doing it a month after I put the new gasket on.

Is this something to worry about? or just common?

As I say it is just a tiny tiny bubble. Maybe just watery oil stuff that has got onto the gasket and because it is so hot boiling it.

Thanks,

Matthew

[Sheikh Pip]

Sounds like you'll have to re-do the head gasket, it'll more than likely only get worse and could end up costing you a complete new engine if you're not careful, but first it may be worth re-torquing the head up to see if it stops, keep a careful eye on the oil and water though. Any Mayonaze in either could spell trouble!!!


I have a 1983 Mini Sprite 998cc

The head gasket seems to have bubbles coming from the back left corner leaking almost browny watery stuff and at the front by the number on the block.

I have only noticed this after a long drive when it really gets fully up to tempreture. It was doing it a month after I put the new gasket on.

Is this something to worry about? or just common?

As I say it is just a tiny tiny bubble. Maybe just watery oil stuff that has got onto the gasket and because it is so hot boiling it.

Thanks,

Matthew

[Cooperman]

Sounds like the gasket is a bit 'iffy'. Be a good idea to change it soon when you know you have the time rather than risk it going when you are on a journey. Use a top-quality copper-faced one not one of the 'cheapie' cardboard-looking ones.

[thebullet]

It is a copper one, I re torqued it after its first heat cycle. Worth doing again?

[Cooperman]

You could try re-torquing it, 50 lb. ft., and re-set the valve clearances, then see how it goes.

[thebullet]

You could try re-torquing it, 50 lb. ft., and re-set the valve clearances, then see how it goes.

Will try this!

Only really noticed it today when it was at maximum tempreture that I only get on a motorway run. Normally It dosen't do it. It got through a RR tune haha.

[Mini Mad Max]

If that doesn't fix it and it is evident that the bubbles are coming from the gasket, then you may have a warped head and therefor need skimming. If bubbles are appearing, then surely this could be affecting the compression?? Worth doing a compression test? I may be way off though, just what came to my mind.
Max

[thebullet]

Head was fully restored and skimmed. Both surfaces were spotless.

Temps are fine and it runs well with no misfiring, no smoke and no loss of coolant!

There is a flat spot after the RR but I think that's a different issue.

No signs of the gasket going!

I am about to fit an oil pressure gauge so will further inspect it then.

Edited by thebullet, 06 July 2011 - 09:50 PM.

[bmcecosse]

Retorque as advised - and stop worrying!

[R1minimagic]

I have always torqued to 55lbft as 50 just doesn't seem tight enough...

[thebullet]

haha I am one for worrying, after all the money I spent the last thing I want is it off the road again!

Will do it tomorrow.

Thanks guys.

[thebullet]

Torqued the head down and it didn't really move, so added a couple of nm onto it and then re did the valves as they seemed a bit tight anyway. Now they are as tappety as ever.

Still the little section at the front by the number on the block is letting a little water out when you rev it, same at the back.

I can't really afford to have the car off the road so I think whilst I am not losing any water really and it runs fine I will just leave it.

Thanks,

Matthew

[Ethel]

It depends on the source of the leak, if it's coming from a combustion chamber it will only get worse and very possibly erode a channel the block or head. If it's only the water jacket blowing off steam it's less serious & may even seal itself. You could get the coolant chemically tested to try and find out, the fact it only happens hot suggests it could be just the water jacket,but it doesn't rule out the other.

[thebullet]

Well its just when the engine warms at all really, I noticed it yesterday when you rev it it comes out a little more but it is not loads, not enough to cause any water problems as I havn't lost any for 6 months. I hope you are right and that it does seal itself. But the water it gives off is hardly anything, it sits by the engine block number and it just looks a little shiny line of oil and it is a browny colour.

Hard to know what it is doing!

[coopdog]

has it stopped?