ivancrx

ivancrx

Well-Known Member
Defender 90 with a Disco 200tdi fitted.

Well I have now found out where the water in the radiator has been going, in to the engine. Checked the water this morning and had to fill the radiator again, checked the oil cap and lovely white mayo on the inside.

So it is now time to learn how to do a head gasket change I suppose.

After doing a bit of reading I know there are various types of gasket, the one fitted is a 1 hole type, I am going for a Elring gasket as these seem to have the best reviews, I will also change the head bolts as the cost is nothing to worry about.

Will I need a thicker head gasket as I am going to have the head skimmed, I want to do the job one and do it right first time.

Is there anything else that it is worth changing while it is stripped?

Any help will be most appreciated.
 
If you skim the head then a thicker gasket may be needed....

The official procedure from memory is to measure the head, measure how much the piston crown protrudes from the block at TDC and then RAVE manuals will tell you which thickness you'll need.

Or just go for a zero hole gasket as it is the safer option.....is what I did.

HG change is dead simple on the Tdi engines.....I did a how to a while back, when I did the belt, cam followers, HG and timing sprockets.....have a search, butt loads of photos!
 
Most tdi have the 3 hole fitted, not seen one with a one hole before as thats the thinnest going.
New quality rocker gasket incl the D rubbers each end.
Ive never replaced the head bolts, Iirc they are good for five uses, few stories out there of the cheap ones snapping when being tightened.
 
Haynes manual gives a guide to which gasket you need based on the piston protrusion distance. You can use a good steel rule across the top of the piston and feelers on the block to find the gap size or a DTI if you have access to one is best!
 
Saint.V8 said:
HG change is dead simple on the Tdi engines.....I did a how to a while back, when I did the belt, cam followers, HG and timing sprockets.....have a search, butt loads of photos!
Click to expand...

Just had a look through the how to and it looks very straight forward, just need the rain to stop and I can make a start.
 
lynall said:
Most tdi have the 3 hole fitted, not seen one with a one hole before as thats the thinnest going.
Click to expand...

I don't know the history of the engine so it may have been changed previously with the incorrect one, I will measure once the head is off and see what should be fitted, the good old Haynes Manual will get some use. I will replace the bolts anyway.
 
generally piston protrusion governs head gasket thickness ,but if you skim head you bring the valve face closer to the piton and contact can happen so people tend to fit next hole gasket up or cut valve seat deeper to the amount skimmed off,though you can measure the valve stand down and if its in spec then you can use gasket going by piston protrusion only
. Using a straight edge and feeler gauges, check and record stand down of each valve head. Compare figures obtained with those given below. If any valve head has a stand down outside that specified, valve and/or seat insert must be replaced. Valve head stand down: Inlet valve A= 0.81 to 1.09 mm Exhaust valve B= 0.86 to 1.14 mm
 
Marmaduke said:
None of them were down to heat issues so no need. What's been the problem with yours?
Click to expand...
Had a problem with it using water, then when I checked the oil yesterday water in the oil and all the breathers blocked with mayo. It had been running a little warmer than normal but never got in to the red, fitted a new thermostat and all was good, or so I thought.
 
Just to but in, does anyone know where to get a head pressure checked in Sussex and how much should I pay?
 
ivancrx said:
Had a problem with it using water, then when I checked the oil yesterday water in the oil and all the breathers blocked with mayo. It had been running a little warmer than normal but never got in to the red, fitted a new thermostat and all was good, or so I thought.
Click to expand...
Just out of interest how old is your rad?
 
ivancrx said:
Brand new rad, brand new water pump, new heater matrix and new hoses.
Click to expand...
Just checking that it's not mixing in the rad as opposed to the head. Wiz the head off and you'll see if it's the gasket, just don't forget to drain the block first
 
Well got the head off now, no oil in the water but loads of mayo in the breathers and rocker cover.

Got the gasket off but can't see anything obvious with it, no massive missing pieces but then I don't have a new one yet to see the difference. I don't know what the experts think?







I am taking the head to be skimmed tomorrow, only £40 + Vat so better to be safe than sorry.
 
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