boringoltennis
New Member
Hi all, i am a newbie and would appreciate some advice.
In November I bought a 1986 Ex-MOD Land Rover 90 Soft Top 2.5na Diesel. It had a brand new MOT and appeared to be in very good nick all round and had done very few miles over the previous 3-5 years. All seemed fine until I noticed that the front edge of the head gasket was blowing/leaking. A row of tiny bubbles could be seen on the gasket join at the front of the engine when hot. There was no overheating, nor any significant coolant loss but the coolant system did stay pressurised even when cold. Tiny bubbles could be seen in the coolant reservoir when running. I took it to a local Landy specialist who replaced the gasket, skimmed the head and also fixed the injectors which were all damp and leaking down the engine. They also replaced the ageing radiator and the non-existent fan. Needless to say it was not a cheap job! This was done in January 2015.
Long story short....I have enjoyed the Landy but was thinking of selling her and was therefore giving the vehicle a thorough clean and check last weekend. I know it is not common but until recently the vehicle had never leaked any oil at all - from anywhere. So when I noticed a growing oily mark on the drive I investigated. Not only did I discover that the injectors are leaking again - the side of the engine is wet - but I also noticed the bubbles again at the front of the head gasket - Argh!! I cannot see any bubbles in the reservoir this time.
I am sure that the very helpful garage concerned will immediately put things right free of charge, but what do you think may have caused these problems to recur? How would you advise me to handle the garage owner if they are less helpful? When I rang them the owner was on holiday but I was told ..... Blah blah cracked head....blah blah warped block. Are these not things that a garage should routinely check for when replacing a head gasket??
I would appreciate any advice, or very high offers for an otherwise tip top condition motor! More info and photos on request!
In November I bought a 1986 Ex-MOD Land Rover 90 Soft Top 2.5na Diesel. It had a brand new MOT and appeared to be in very good nick all round and had done very few miles over the previous 3-5 years. All seemed fine until I noticed that the front edge of the head gasket was blowing/leaking. A row of tiny bubbles could be seen on the gasket join at the front of the engine when hot. There was no overheating, nor any significant coolant loss but the coolant system did stay pressurised even when cold. Tiny bubbles could be seen in the coolant reservoir when running. I took it to a local Landy specialist who replaced the gasket, skimmed the head and also fixed the injectors which were all damp and leaking down the engine. They also replaced the ageing radiator and the non-existent fan. Needless to say it was not a cheap job! This was done in January 2015.
Long story short....I have enjoyed the Landy but was thinking of selling her and was therefore giving the vehicle a thorough clean and check last weekend. I know it is not common but until recently the vehicle had never leaked any oil at all - from anywhere. So when I noticed a growing oily mark on the drive I investigated. Not only did I discover that the injectors are leaking again - the side of the engine is wet - but I also noticed the bubbles again at the front of the head gasket - Argh!! I cannot see any bubbles in the reservoir this time.
I am sure that the very helpful garage concerned will immediately put things right free of charge, but what do you think may have caused these problems to recur? How would you advise me to handle the garage owner if they are less helpful? When I rang them the owner was on holiday but I was told ..... Blah blah cracked head....blah blah warped block. Are these not things that a garage should routinely check for when replacing a head gasket??
I would appreciate any advice, or very high offers for an otherwise tip top condition motor! More info and photos on request!
