Head gasket - not convinced

[westonwarrior]

yes but there is working and "hot"

mine gets very hot

[francophile1947]

yes but there is working and "hot"

mine gets very hot

Same here Can't leave it on high, even in the coldest weather

[mikeonb4c]

If it's not losing any coolant, why did you have to top it up last Friday
I find it hard to believe the seller didn't know there was something wrong - I'm sure I'd notice if my heater didn't work in the winter

Quite right franco and I think that's the point. If (and it is 'if') you can make a persuasive case that any reasonable owner should have known that significant things weren't working and declared them, then you'd think you could claim that they deceived you. Being honest, it sounds like a long shot with a private vendor, but it could be worth checking out with citizens advice (they must deal with plenty of situations like this).

[CRB099]

Thanks for all your info guys. A bit of a conundrum isn't it? I think I will try the cheapest option first by getting the Rad flow tested, then bleed the system for airlocks, then see what happens. I maybe lucky and the problem disappears. If not, then probably have to go the head gasket route. Is it possible to have the head pressure tested without removing it from the block? That way it would help me make a decision before I go ahed with the work.

Once again, thanks guys.

Craig

[dandywarhol]

No but what can be done is to fit a pressure tester to the expansion tank, start the engine and see if the gauge builds up pressure indicating a gasket/crack.

[CRB099]

Thanks for all so far guys. Coolant system pressure test completed - shows no leaks or pressure build up. My local garage (who are trusted by me, but not Bongo specialists) are still telling me that the gasket could still be gone. Again, as at the beginning, I am not fully convinced.

Advice as to how to procede would be really appreciated.

Best Regards
Craig

[stilldesperate]

You're now down to:
No leaks
No Pressure build up
Bongo runs fine

But your heater isn't getting hot.

I'd bleed the system (follow the factsheet on this), and try again.
*If* the head/gasket *has* gone, you won't make it any worse......

Did you have the Hydrocarbon "sniff" test done on the fluid? If there's any leak from the head, the exhaust gas analyser will show a reading. Mine (having been told twice that the head had gone), gave a "0" reading, I was told it would be round the "100" mark (parts per million) if there was a problem.

Hope this helps,

SD

[dandywarhol]

The sniffer check is usually for CO2, carbon dioxide - the chemical ones certainly do detect CO2 but I presume hydrocarbons could also be detected.................

If the headgasket has gone it WILL make it worse - liable to damage the head!

[stilldesperate]

I'd bleed the system (follow the factsheet on this), and try again.
*If* the head/gasket *has* gone, you won't make it any worse......

Sorry, didn't make it that clear, I'd bleed the system to see if the heater works, I wouldn't think that bleeding it would cause further problems.

SD