Next project - 2001 ES V6.

Cost $NZ1460, delivered.

Advertised as - This vehicle is in very good condition except the engine has just blown its head. The heads are warped and porous. Heads have been removed and are in the rear of the vehicle.



And inside...


Under the bonnet...


But, this is a good but - heads are about 2 thou out of true. After about 2 thou of grind, I get this....


While the grooves in the head can be seen, they don't feel with a finger nail.

Vehicle has done 141,000 Kms, and cambelts were done at 140,000 Kms, belts look newish and have recent date codes. Inlet manifold has a date stamp of 2008 and thermostat has a date stamp of 2014.

One of the inlet manifold gaskets looks as if it has been leaking coolant. No mayo anywhere, no water in oil.

I suspect the manifold was changed due to rattle, thermostat and water pump etc. at the same time as the cambelt. Shortly after some steam and water loss, owner panicked, garage saw marks in head, read about K engines, and gave up.

When I got it I was expecting a stuffed engine, thought of an engine swap - K16 VVC, oil burner, small block chev (just kidding but I have done worse) and I really prefer a manual gearbox.

Now I will just do a top end put together, and see how it all goes. I really don't want an auto V6, but time will tell.

Well she runs, and quite nicely, for a short time.

Took it for a very short run. All seems OK, no nasty transmission sounds.

But (why is there always a but?) temp gauge went sky high. Bottom radiator hose was cold. So I re-bled it. No change, bottom hose still cold. Likely thermostat or Water pump I guess.

Took out thermostat because it was easiest. First up, something is not centred.


So next step, cook at a rolling boil until el dente (well for a couple of minutes or so...).

As it was a nice day I did it outside on the BBQ. Even if it was crap day it would still be done on the BBQ, unless She Who Must Be Obeyed was out....

Even at a measured 100 degrees C, the thermostat was fully closed. So much for it having a date stamp of 2014! But I am OK with that, was not looking forward to having to pull the water pump

Now to wait a week for Rimmers and Royal Mail to do their thing.

And done. All back together and license taken off "on hold" so it is street legal.

Seems to go well, except for a rumble down back. Will take the drive shaft off shortly and check the VCU bearings, I am fairly sure that is the problem Apart from getting the radio to go on more than one speaker, she is a good one.