So yesterday I setup an A-frame DIY winch and head lifted up easy. Amazing with a few extra inches of space and some daylight what you can then see: that 4th hose I mentioned was actually the metal pipe and hose that runs from oil cooler behind the block to the rad. It was affixed to the bottom left bolt that attaches the fuel cooler to the head. Is this normal or has 'someone' been at it? It must have had the fuel pressure regulator changed at some point as there is leaked fuel/oil/grunge all over the rear of the engine and the lifting bracket was missing. Anyway, got that detached and then head came straight off.
Looking at the head, it shows no sign of distortion - nice and flat under my straight edge with no sign of any gaps, so we'll within tolerance. Both of the plastic dowels were sheared in half and the gasket is delaminated but no other obvious signs of damage. I'm beginning to think the head gasket may not have been the problem and it was actually leaking coolant from the elbow on the head - there was NO gasket on this when I removed it!
I've ordered replacement bits and will get it all back together when I have them.
What is best solvent for removing residue from head and block faces? Mine seems to have traces of old sealant of some kind. Not sure if from the gasket or some other sealant used.
I'll get some pics up soon to brighten this thread.

:violent: that is for the *%#^in iPad I have been using to update this thread. Type out loads and lost the lot twice! Trying to add photos.

Anyway, update. I have replaced the head gasket and after some tortuous contortionistic indignities, have rebuilt and refitted a badly leaking FPR. Actually, the FPR was my fault as I had it off while I had the head on the bench and replaced the o-rings, and a new gasket: unfortunately the wrong one. :doh: I should have paid more attention but due to tiredness etc, I put the new type gasket on my pre EU3 FPR. Still, done now and used a rebuild kit off eBay to replace the regulator.
All re-assembled, checked for leaks, torques, and all bolts, nuts, and pipes, etc., accounted for. Replaced the oil and filters, and topped up with fresh coolant.
After several minutes purging the fuel lines, it finally fired up and ran. I let it idle for a bit and then went out for a test run. Wow, like a new car. It runs smooth and quiet and has power and torque and feels a real pleasure to drive, so different from the heavy old lump I had before I sorted the gasket. I gave it a longer run today and again, it was a pleasure to drive. No sign of any problems now so fingers crossed that this has resolved the problem.
Wonder what's going to go wrong next?

Fingers crossed for you CliffordGarrett Dropped my head off today for a pressure test and facing, How do I tell if I have the right FPR gasket ?

dibdob69 said:

Fingers crossed for you CliffordGarrett Dropped my head off today for a pressure test and facing, How do I tell if I have the right FPR gasket ?

Click to expand...

The gasket has an indented profile that matches the FPR casting.

quick update.
Since replacing head gasket, I have had no further problems with coolant loss or the associated running problems. The power loss problems that I did experience were due to oil contamination of the red connector to ECU (I covered this in another thread). Replaced the injector harness and multiple subsequent cleanings of the connector have dealt with that.
Last week I replaced brake discs and pads all round. Used Greenstuff pads and it stops! Replaced fuel filter while the rear wheel was off too.
Now wondering what will break next?