16 replies to this topic

[stevelane]

I broke down after Gaydon on the M40 as my car overheated - my own fault im afraid - I left the rad cap off and lost all the water

I had to be towed home as I had blown the head gasket and possibly warped the head.

Today, I have put a straight edge against the head and it all seemed ok but once the car was pieced back together it is running fine but noticed a small amount of water at the front of the gasket.

When I was searching for recon cylinder heads I came across these products claiming that they could fix head gaskets or warped heads, in fact the aa man had also mentioned k seal on our journey home.

I wondered if anyone had used them and if they are effective, for one reason or another this would be the fourth head on this car and I am sick of shelling out but only want to give it a go if it had a chance of working

[icklemini]

retorqued the head??

[SMP]

Is it a running leak or just some residual water?

Steve

[stevelane]

Head was torqued to 34 and then 68 as the haynes manual states.

Its just a small amount - only just noticed it and realised it was water when i run my finger over it

[SMP]

Soak it up with kitchen towel and see if comes back - may be residue.

Steve

[stevelane]

Soak it up with kitchen towel and see if comes back - may be residue.

Steve

Will give it a go. But still be good to know if these products work if it comes back.

[icklemini]

Head was torqued to 34 and then 68 as the haynes manual states.

lbs or nm? - you do a hot cycle first before retorquing

[stevelane]

Head was torqued to 34 and then 68 as the haynes manual states.

lbs or nm? - you do a hot cycle first before retorquing

nm - only torqued it once though - bit new to all this, thought that was what you were meant to do

[stevelane]

No one? Was really hoping someone would say it works, cant go through fitting yet another head lol

[icklemini]

as far as K seal goes - yeah I have used it on small leaks on radiators where customers decide its more economically viable... seems to work ok in that situation.

[stevelane]

as far as K seal goes - yeah I have used it on small leaks on radiators where customers decide its more economically viable... seems to work ok in that situation.

Ok cheers - Steel seal claims to be alternative for cracked blocks, warped heads etc, might be worth a try for £30

[Pavel]

Can confirm K-seal does NOT work for a head gasket repair - I had a very very minor water leak and it didn't cure it - I highly doubt it would cure a weep that's due to a warped head.

Mind you, the A-series head doesn't warp very easily - I've had my mini to around 140+ degrees C with steam pouring out and it was fine after (not for prolonged periods of course). I'd retorque the head to see if that fixes it, but if it's really that bad you'll have to have it skimmed.

[stevelane]

Can confirm K-seal does NOT work for a head gasket repair - I had a very very minor water leak and it didn't cure it - I highly doubt it would cure a weep that's due to a warped head.

Mind you, the A-series head doesn't warp very easily - I've had my mini to around 140+ degrees C with steam pouring out and it was fine after (not for prolonged periods of course). I'd retorque the head to see if that fixes it, but if it's really that bad you'll have to have it skimmed.

Ah ok - K seal was recommended by the aa guy but that was more for radiator leaks etc. Think I may just take a punt with the steel seal on the off chance it works, its much cheaper than my other options and really dont fancy having the head off AGAIN this year

[icklemini]

..... but have you retorqued it??

Now its been hot a few times.. retorque the head to 45 Ftlb....

[stevelane]

..... but have you retorqued it??

Now its been hot a few times.. retorque the head to 45 Ftlb....

I havent but will give it a go - although the engine didnt get that hot before i noticed the water and switched it off