I also have a slight blow at the head gasket of my series 2! Running the engine without the cap at the front of the engine gives a lovely display of bubbles. The car still runs well but it is just a matter of time before I need to get the head off. I will watch your endeavours with renewed interest!

 

Well today was playtime at the garage and I'm very pleased to say that so far it's all gone well !
Head is now off and ready to be dropped off tomorrow for testing and any machine work etc.

I'll get proper details up soon along with pictures.

Hopefully the good times will continue.........

 

Quick update - pretty much all back together now - just need to do a final checkover in the morning, fit rocker covers, change oil & filter and give it a test drive.

Fingers crossed !

 

That didn't take so long!
I hope it fires Right Up for you!
(';')

 

Its good to get it back together quickly. Mine sat apart for a long time, when its sits you tend to lose interest. Well i do.

I just farted about doing little bits and bobs, wife finally said get it running or get rid of it. Apparently that was the inspiration i needed. A week later i heard it roar back to life, (literally, exhaust wasnt on it yet)
Then that was the push i needed to do all the other stuff!!

Good luck!!!!! Its a great feeling when you turn and she fires! Hopefully you you get this feeling.......

 

Ok so here are some pictures for you. I've not got the car running yet but am hoping to get it going tonight - tried to get it started on Saturday but didnt have fuel getting to the plugs.


I couldnt see the wood for the trees to be honest but after a little time away from the job im hoping its something stupid like the fuel cut off switch has engaged when i reconnected the battery.


Anyway, all in all i had a really good time doing the job and am glad i did it rather than hand over alot of cash and get somebody else to do it.


The bloke who cleaned and tested the head for me thinks it was a loose stud on the inlet side that was letting water to leak from there towards the head gasket which was probably past its best !

 

Mmm, cant seem to get pictures uploaded.


You just copy the IMG link from Photobucket dont you ?

 

Outstanding!
And I bet you learned a Boat Load, and are Enormously pleased with yourself as well you should be!

Next time you find a scary problem it won't be nearly so intimidating.
Good Job!
(';')

 

Tell us more about that "loose" headstud. These are long stud engines and the studs are about 12" long and pass through the coolant. They can get seriously corroded over time, and actually snap, thus releasing all pressure on the head at that point.

 

Yep, i would have never dreamt of tackling a job like that until now. It wasnt all plain sailing but i got there in the end. Spent alot of time taking things off slowly and keeping all of the bolts etc in seperate boxes and taking loads of pictures so that i didnt lose anything or forget where it went.


Really glad that i did it and cant thank the 2 lads at the garage enough for the use of their workshop, tools, ramp and guidance !


All the head studs were fine. About half of them came out with the chrome dome head nuts together and the other half came out ok using the double nut method and some patience.
The loose stud was on the inlet manifold side so was pretty straightforward to clean up and re tighten.


I'll try and get some pictures up to better show progress.