12 replies to this topic

[tam0123]

donno if anyone can help me with this one, i have a metro (rover m reg). i suspect the head gasket has gone as there is a lot of white smelly smoke coming out of it, i just checked the oil and it is a funny baige like colour. recently the engine temp has been higher than usual. at first i thought it was a fault radiator, got a new one but nothing changed. does anyone know what this might be.

thanks
tam

[cooper_shaz]

Oil turning beige is the water mixing with it, definate head gasket.
It could be worse, i.e. cracked block etc, but probably just the gasket

Other signs

Drop in radiator water level,

Possibly oil in the water.

Running lumpy,

Excessive smoke/steam out of exhaust.

Loss of power

Running hot (Combined with 1 or more of the above)

There can be many more in any combination, but what you describe is classic head gasket problems..

Check your water level if it is running hot, and oil is creamy, as this is the water mixing with oil, so your losing water..

Heat it too much you can warp the head/block and total the engine..

Best leave it standing and get prices from local garages to fix it

[Clubby1275GT]

yeah, if its running hot, and its smoking then chances are ur head gasket has gone. the smoke is where the gasket has split, if its white smoke then chances are its letting water in between the crack.
ur gonna need a head skim, incase its warped and a new gasket, job done.
my advice, DONT DRIVE IT!

[tam0123]

does anyone know how much it will cost to repair a head gasket?

[Clubby1275GT]

my mate had the same problem on an n reg rover 111i, cost him £500 but that was head gasket, new water pump and some other bits n bobs!
kinda pricey for these new cars!!
just get quotes, never go on a first quote either, shop around

[cooper_shaz]

It really depends what needs done..
A simple replace the gasket around 100 - 150

Head skim etc more,

If you have a leaded engie now is a good time to get an exchange lead free head, about 100 pounds, that way no skimming needed..!!

[Turbo Nick]

pretty sure you have to have the head skimmed and stuff on a K series. i think me grandad got quoted £130 for new gasket and a bit of sealent or about £300 for a proper job......it hasn't blown since i've had it of f him though, good old instant gasket...lol

[tam0123]

does anyone have any connections in the surrey or nearby areas that would be able to do it for me for around the £250 mark. or buy the car off me for around that much. the car has got tax till 31 march 2006 and m.o.t till april 2006

[clubman katie B.F]

why not do it yourself...will cost you twenty quid???????

[Turbo Nick]

the head gasket sets cost around £45 on there own dude!

[clubman katie B.F]

solid gold ones maybe...i never pay more than a tenner for a head gasket and a tenner for the others

[Turbo Nick]

on an A series yeah....he's on about a K series though dude!

i have a metro (rover m reg).

[clubman katie B.F]

i will shut up shall i!!!! lol....just assumed it was an A or A+ engine