leaking head gasket in Shropshire

[Andes]

Evening all,

Believing I’d finally sorted out any overheating issues with my car I was tinkering beneath the engine (as you do) and noticed fresh coolant near the n/s wheel. Taking a closer look the coolant was dripping (not actively) from the rear passenger side cylinder head. Obviously I’m now concerned that the gasket may have gone and having taken the spark plugs out on that side and seeing a very clean
Spark plug (no.8) I’m almost convinced it has. As I don’t have the technical know how or facilities to start investigating this and the potential to replace it with associated
Works can any one recommend who I can take this to start the ball rolling. As I live in Shropshire I’m
Aware that specialists in this area are scarce but I’m more than willing to travel to get it sorted and start enjoying the car without worrying about head gaskets. All suggestion much appreciated.

[Ian F]

Andes,

Depends whereabouts in Shropshire, but James Scott, the South Birmingham Area Coordinator May be able to assist. His details will be in the magazine. He is very knowledgeable on Stags and has, I believe, just started to work for himself as JS Classics.
Must be worth a call.

ian F

[Andes]

Cheers Ian,

That’s much appreciated, will look into that

[Lingen]

Andes. It depends what you mean by a failed gasket. It may well still be sealing the combustion gasses around the top of the bore, but merely weeping a bit of coolant on the outside, particularly if the system is not over pressurising.
This is not uncommon as some head gaskets had slightly oversize fire rings that would not compress enough to allow the gasket to seal around the edge.
The BGA head gaskets that the Club had made for the Stag come with a built in mastic seal around the whole perimeter which does away with the problem (should you need any!)
It might be worth checking the tightness of the head studs and bolts. If they are all correct, then I see no reason why you shouldn't try a good quality radiator sealer, which will almost certainly cure any leaks on the outside. Rumour has it that they may have been used at the time the engines were assembled!
Mike.

[Andes]

Hi Mike

That gives me some hope. When you say over
Pressurising I assume the coolant reservoir would always be emptying itself.........in the wrong direction :-)

Andy

[Andes]

Hi Mike

Is there any particular radiator sealer you would recommend?

Andy

[Lingen]

Andy. The usual sign of a head gasket starting to fail is the expansion bottle filling up and possibly overflowing, and then not discharging back in to the cooling system as it cools off. I think you might have mentioned this if it was happening!
I would use one of the liquid types as they are easy to just pour in. I don't suppose they differ much in performance, so why not just go for a well known make like Wynns, or Holts.
Mike.

[Andes]

Cheers Mike, will give that a try. You’re right, it’s hasn’t been filling up......it’s because the level kept on dropping infact and I realised that the bottom hose wasn’t attached properly, hopefully it’s sorted that problem out (fingers crossed)

Andy