15 replies to this topic

[minitalia1275]

After replacing the radiator, my 1969 Mini was running perfectly. I switched it off to top the radiator and tried to start it again but it wouldn't fire.
I removed the plugs to find three of them wet with water. I fed rolled up tissue in to the four spark plug holes and three were wet with clear clean water. Cylinders 1,2 and 3 had water in them.
The car had been running hot and overheated before fitting new radiator but there was no water in the cylinders.
I find it very strange that a blown gasket can affect 3 cylinders. I would be very grateful for your opinions.
Thanks.

[sonikk4]

It's not un heard of to be honest. Has the head been off recently?? Did it get retorqued correctly after one heat cycle.

To add to this if the engine got really hot when it overheated it may possibly have warped the head. Once the head is off you can check for face trueness with a large steel rule.

[lawrie124]

As above, the damage has most likely been caused by the overheating.

Wip the head off, inspect gasket, check head it straight, then clean it all up, fit new gasket and gradually torque head down to 50lbf using the correct order in the manual, then warm it up and go to 60lbf.

If you aren't sure or need help, shout.

[minitalia1275]

It's not un heard of to be honest. Has the head been off recently?? Did it get retorqued correctly after one heat cycle.
To add to this if the engine got really hot when it overheated it may possibly have warped the head. Once the head is off you can check for face trueness with a large steel rule.

Thanks for that. The head gasket was replaced a year ago due to fitting new valve guides but I didn't retorque it after one heat cycle.

[minitalia1275]

As above, the damage has most likely been caused by the overheating.
Wip the head off, inspect gasket, check head it straight, then clean it all up, fit new gasket and gradually torque head down to 50lbf using the correct order in the manual, then warm it up and go to 60lbf.
If you aren't sure or need help, shout.

Thanks for that. I will refit a new gasket, check the head and retorque after warming it up.

Edited by minitalia1275, 06 January 2015 - 09:23 AM.

[Gadgets]

Not everyone retorques the head, some say yes some say no and get away with it for years.

 

Personally I think when a headgasket is going to blow it will anyway because of other factors outside of normal working pressures.

 

At least its one of the easier jobs to do on a Mini.

Edited by Gadgets, 06 January 2015 - 09:47 AM.

[sonikk4]

Not everyone retorques the head, some say yes some say no and get away with it for years.
 
Personally I think when a headgasket is going to blow it will anyway because of other factors outside of normal working pressures.
 
At least its one of the easier jobs to do on a Mini.

Without getting into a slanging match this is a gamble that to be honest is not worth thinking about. It's like most things if you don't follow the maintenance laid out by the manufacturers no matter what it is then you are gambling. Is it worth it, in my eyes no it's not.

Changing the HG is a easy job IF you know how to do it and of course have the tools available. Also another thing to consider is the quality of the head gaskets out there. I had an issue with a standard copper head gasket last year that would not seal properly. It did do the L2B run ok but kept leaking fluids externally which is not good. A Payen HG cured that issue.

So from a personal point of view and being an Aircraft engineer for the past 35 years follow the manual, deviate from it at your peril. And I'm not just talking about Haynes, I'm talking about any manual for your car.

[lawrie124]

Not everyone retorques the head, some say yes some say no and get away with it for years.
 
Personally I think when a headgasket is going to blow it will anyway because of other factors outside of normal working pressures.
 
At least its one of the easier jobs to do on a Mini.

Fair point, but if you are already on it, I can't see why you wouldn't.

As a complete aside, can I see a pic of your van with the D1s please?

[minitalia1275]

I removed and checked the head. It is straight and not damaged. No damage on the block. I can't see any obvious signs of gasket damage.
I think the problem was caused by the overheating and the budget minispares gasket fitted. I will replace it with a good quality Payen gasket

[lawrie124]

Can you post up a picture of the gasket?

[minitalia1275]

There seems to be some damage between 2 and 3

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[lawrie124]

Seen worse!

Stick a copper or Payen gasket on and torque it down after hot.

[minitalia1275]

Seen worse!
Stick a copper or Payen gasket on and torque it down after hot.

Thanks

[Gadgets]

 

Not everyone retorques the head, some say yes some say no and get away with it for years.
 
Personally I think when a headgasket is going to blow it will anyway because of other factors outside of normal working pressures.
 
At least its one of the easier jobs to do on a Mini.

Fair point, but if you are already on it, I can't see why you wouldn't.

As a complete aside, can I see a pic of your van with the D1s please?

 

 

Hi

I have since lowered the front hi los's and rear coil overs, wheelarch gaps are now alot closer.

 

Edited by Gadgets, 11 January 2015 - 02:18 PM.

[Gadgets]

 

Not everyone retorques the head, some say yes some say no and get away with it for years.
 
Personally I think when a headgasket is going to blow it will anyway because of other factors outside of normal working pressures.
 
At least its one of the easier jobs to do on a Mini.

Without getting into a slanging match this is a gamble that to be honest is not worth thinking about. It's like most things if you don't follow the maintenance laid out by the manufacturers no matter what it is then you are gambling. Is it worth it, in my eyes no it's not.

Changing the HG is a easy job IF you know how to do it and of course have the tools available. Also another thing to consider is the quality of the head gaskets out there. I had an issue with a standard copper head gasket last year that would not seal properly. It did do the L2B run ok but kept leaking fluids externally which is not good. A Payen HG cured that issue.

So from a personal point of view and being an Aircraft engineer for the past 35 years follow the manual, deviate from it at your peril. And I'm not just talking about Haynes, I'm talking about any manual for your car.

 

Yes interestingly I know a Rolls Royce Aerospace trained mechanic employee and he also dosnt retorque Mini heads after replacing head gaskets and he always says he has never had one fail.