Try dropping the oil first, just to get an idea how much coolant is in it.

Is oil level rising? Does it look milky?

How about whipping the head off and checking that you didn't get a dodgy head gasket when you re-built? Rare but not unknown.

Just a few thoughts before you lay out big wads on a head.
 
Hey Mark,

TBH I'm fed up of it now, I've done everything that can reasonably be done and still get masses of mayo in the breather and induction system & rapidly depleting coolant levels. I don't see what else it can now be.

Regards the HG, who knows, maybe the head isn't quite as flat as I'd thought? BUT, I don't get bubbles in the header and the pressure isn't mental.

Appreciate the time you've taken to think on it nonetheless.

And I still need to get that spring compressor back to you, not forgotten, just life been somewhat hectic :)
 
Was the head skimmed / pressure tested at rebuild ?

The head was pressure tested and passed. It wasn't skimmed because the records that came with the car showed it as re-manufactured, and I didn't want to risk a skim atop a head that may have already had one in the past.

The face of the head cleaned up really well and from the simple tests I did with a straight edge it seemed to be flat.

Ah well.
 
I had a phone chat with a chap called Ian who repairs cracked TD5 heads for a living, very knowledgeable & helpful chap, didn't try and flog me anything so I'm inclined to trust him (and have also heard really good things from others about him).

He thinks it's quite likely that I have a crack in one of the exhaust ports, apparently this can allow coolant into the sump (and exhaust). This is not repairable, skip job.

So, will grab a new head and see how it goes.
 
I had a phone chat with a chap called Ian who repairs cracked TD5 heads for a living, very knowledgeable & helpful chap, didn't try and flog me anything so I'm inclined to trust him (and have also heard really good things from others about him).

He thinks it's quite likely that I have a crack in one of the exhaust ports, apparently this can allow coolant into the sump (and exhaust). This is not repairable, skip job.

So, will grab a new head and see how it goes.

why not get it tested before you go and bin it.
 
why not get it tested before you go and bin it.

I had a pressure test done already, problem is I have no understanding of how well that test was performed, or what exactly they tested.

The one constant I've had throughout this entire journey is that I lose coolant, get lots of mayo in the breather/blown by to the IC.

So far I've rebuilt the short engine, new bearings, pistons, rings, timing chains, all gaskets, oil cooler. The head has been stripped, valves reground, new stem seals, new gaskets throughout, new camshaft, new rocker shaft and rockers.

To me it's increasingly pointing toward the head...

If anyone knows a very reputable and thorough head tester nearby then by all means let me know their details so I can see if the existing head has some resale value. But it's got to come off anyway to get tested so it's being replaced.
 
Just to add to the last post wrt the pressure test, I've been reading a fair on these and many say they aint worth doing due to the fact of temperature and pressure differences between the test and real operational use - but then it's just some **** on the internetzzzz

People that know their onions seem to be thin on the ground, or I just don't know where to look :D
 
Well from what i have read on this engine,you have done everything possible to try and find the problem,so as you say,a new head it is,make sure you use a good quality head gasket set.Good luck with it,lets hope this cures the problem once and for all.;)

pm sent.
 
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Well from what i have read on this engine,you have done everything possible to try and find the problem,so as you say,a new head it is,make sure you use a good quality head gasket set.Good luck with it,lets hope this cures the problem once and for all.;)

pm sent.

Aye, will use original spec again, elring set is what I used before so I've no reason to suspect it's duff - obviously will have a good gander when it comes off.
 
Thought I'd try the Roose hoses out...

Turbo side done:

IMG_20141018_090602.jpg


Now notice that I'm get oil blown through the wastegate actuator :/

Car seems to be breathing easier, less reluctant, might just be psychosomatic...
 
Thats the problem i had.derby performance hoses made me an extra long one.then again if yours is new tell them to send one at least 70mm longer.
 
Hi Ben. Not sure if I've missed a page, but how is the suspected head problem? Not been by for some time as I need cloning at present. Hang on to the spring compressor as long as you need.

The hoses look nice, but I would also recomend Gareth at DPH - very helpful bloke.
 
Hi Ben. Not sure if I've missed a page, but how is the suspected head problem? Not been by for some time as I need cloning at present. Hang on to the spring compressor as long as you need.

The hoses look nice, but I would also recomend Gareth at DPH - very helpful bloke.

Head is getting changed soon.
 
Head fitting kit ordered.

Collecting the AMC unit next week.

Will have a known good full set of 10P injectors up for grabs.
 

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