ThreeSheds Posted October 18, 2009 Share Posted October 18, 2009 Hi, This question is impossible to answer I know, but I would value opinions or similar experiences. My 3.9 has started weeping coolant from the head gasket. It is coming out of a point just where the engine number is stamped. There is no sign of oil in the water or water in the oil. I have just done 20 miles at speed to pressurise the system and it is still only showing as a dribble - and in ten minutes parked since it has not yet dripped. As it stands it doesn't look significant, but next weekend I am hoping to drive to Builth Wells and back - probably doing 500 miles in all and I was wondering (and this is the question) - Does the team think that it will make it? If several people come back with tales of weeping head gaskets going on for ever I will risk it - if on the other hand most people have found such a weep to be a precursor to disastrous failure, I won't use it - which would be a shame... Cheers, Roger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paintman Posted October 18, 2009 Share Posted October 18, 2009 The answer is indeed 'impossible to know'. Could go on forever, could go completely as you pull off the drive. You could consider using K-Seal to see what happens - its one of the few that does what it claims & that's from personal experience - but at some point you know its going to be a gasket replacement job. Check your breakdown & recovery membership before leaving home! http://www.kalimex.co.uk/section.html?secpath=01.04.&pgid=17 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThreeSheds Posted October 18, 2009 Author Share Posted October 18, 2009 You could consider using K-Seal to see what happens - its one of the few that does what it claims & that's from personal experience <..> http://www.kalimex.co.uk/section.html?secpath=01.04.&pgid=17 Cheers - just shot out and bought some before they close - I'll try it once the engine cools.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted October 18, 2009 Share Posted October 18, 2009 replacing the gasket & having the head or block faces skimmed would be a bettr more permanent solution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThreeSheds Posted October 18, 2009 Author Share Posted October 18, 2009 replacing the gasket & having the head or block faces skimmed would be a bettr more permanent solution. I agree, but my fun weekend starts on Friday morning - then there is Wales off-roading two weeks after that, then a club trial two weeks after that... I have a 'spare' V8 in the garage which I am intending to rebuild as a replacement this winter, so if the one that's in it can last by hook or by crook, I'll take it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveRK Posted October 18, 2009 Share Posted October 18, 2009 Its worth checking the head bolts torque and on the basis that the leak is coming from the gasket head to block interface then i can't see how it could get any worse than a slight dribble. Removing the thermostat will reduce the temperature and hence pressure in the system but if the weathers a bit nippy then it could be an uncomfortable long journey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobtail84 Posted October 18, 2009 Share Posted October 18, 2009 I know most say run with it BUT I personally would change the head gasket. I'm on my 3rd V8 in the bobtail and they all died with water issues IE: me not doing the right thing and kept topping up the water till... HTH jeff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThreeSheds Posted October 19, 2009 Author Share Posted October 19, 2009 Well a quick update: Before I went out yesterday to fetch some K Seal there was only a small indication of a leak. After the trip to 'the Toy Shop' (about 8 miles) a damp patch about 4" dia appeared on the paving slab under the car. I think I had caught it in the really early stages So - I put the K Seal in the engine tonight and topped up with about 1/2 a pint of water and went for a 20 mile motorway drive to make sure it got up to operating temp (that's what the instructions say) and then parked up in a slightly different spot so that I could witness any leaks - two hours later there is no sign of a leak So the K Seal has worked and I am going to risk it at the weekend, but I will be starting the overhaul of the spare engine ASAP - since I can't see it lasting too long with a damaged head gasket - even it I have stopped the leak it's only an aspirin job I reckon... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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