Blown Head Gasket Symptoms

Discussion in 'Technical Help' started by Fourbears, Jan 18, 2018.

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  1. Fourbears

    Fourbears Noble Member

    Dec 8, 2017
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    Norfolk
    As the title says - What are the usual blown head gasket symptoms on a 955? As I understand it the easiest one to 'find' is that the engine either won't start or will idle really roughly. Probably in conjunction with 'mayonnaise' under the oil filler cap and oil in the coolant. Are there any others? I am interested in a 955 that 'overheats' but the seller can't or won't be any more specific other than it takes about 2-3 miles to start overheating. My thoughts initially that it is probably the thermostat stuck shut and maybe the water pump is not working so well. I am ok with pulling things apart and putting them back together so I can do most things so am tempted to buy it and put it back to working order!
     
  2. GaryM

    GaryM It's him, you know who. Him from you know ....

    Apr 28, 2016
    862
    500
    Patna , Ayrshire
    Would have to be very cheap if you buy it. Those are the usual symptoms can’t think of any more.
    With the owner being so inspecific as to what it’s symptoms are I would say walk away from it
     
  3. TEZ 217

    TEZ 217 Crème de la Crème

    Mar 6, 2016
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    "Overheats"
    Yes that's another head gasket symptom, but nowt written in stone could be thermostat as you said, again as mentioned oil in the water or vice versa.
    Owner is unspecific or does he actually know, you'll have to guage that face to face
     
  4. Fourbears

    Fourbears Noble Member

    Dec 8, 2017
    498
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    Norfolk
    Yes well I have a MG TF with the K series engine. They all overheat or so folklore would have it. A lot of the time it is just the coolant tank cap that is knackered! The bike is fairly cheap but I will see if I can elicit some more info.
     
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  5. TEZ 217

    TEZ 217 Crème de la Crème

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    Seems you know the way ahead, Aim for very cheap instead of fairly :D
     
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  6. Fourbears

    Fourbears Noble Member

    Dec 8, 2017
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    Yes I know what you mean! Plus when short in stature you have to stand on a box just to even reach the head!
     
  7. TEZ 217

    TEZ 217 Crème de la Crème

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    Excuse me, one minute gaskets then !!!!
     
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  8. Erling

    Erling Elite Member

    Dec 12, 2017
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    In addition to what's already mentioned: A garage should have equipment for measuring for HC gases (hydrocarbon) in the coolant tank. Also, pull the plugs and look for one or more steam cleaned plugs.
     
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  9. t552

    t552 Senior Member

    Nov 17, 2014
    415
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    Bristol UK
    If by overheating do you mean the gauge is reading high or coolant level raising and overflowing? If it' the latter try new rad cap. If it' reading high I would try the sender. Rare that head gaskets go so go for a cheap and poss easy fix.
    Faulty rad cap is very common and very cheap. Buy genuine not pattern too.
     
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  10. Fourbears

    Fourbears Noble Member

    Dec 8, 2017
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    As for 'cheap' is less than £500 for a 955i Sprint really cheap?
     
  11. Fourbears

    Fourbears Noble Member

    Dec 8, 2017
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    I am really tempted to buy it even without seeing it. Even with a 340 mile round trip!
     
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  12. TEZ 217

    TEZ 217 Crème de la Crème

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    THE FORUM'S SERIAL LOOKER. ANYONE MENTION A CHEAP BIKE, :p
    [​IMG]
     
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  13. dilligaf

    dilligaf Guest

    Murderer :mad:
     
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  14. TEZ 217

    TEZ 217 Crème de la Crème

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    He's saying 340 mile round trip = 170 each way approx
    Doesn't get you to Scotland !!! maybe North East again !!!!
    Feckin no doubt right on your doorstep :p Good luck Jez :heart:
     
  15. TEZ 217

    TEZ 217 Crème de la Crème

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    [​IMG]
     
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  16. TEZ 217

    TEZ 217 Crème de la Crème

    Mar 6, 2016
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  17. Fourbears

    Fourbears Noble Member

    Dec 8, 2017
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    I am not saying....
     
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  18. Fourbears

    Fourbears Noble Member

    Dec 8, 2017
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    I think my mind was already made before DD gave me a nudge! Update you as and when!
     
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  19. Fourbears

    Fourbears Noble Member

    Dec 8, 2017
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    Ok well I’ve only gone and done it! I bought it so pick it up next week!
     
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  20. Fourbears

    Fourbears Noble Member

    Dec 8, 2017
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    So I have picked it up, got it home and started it. Seemed to idle ok but didn’t run it for long as there was no coolant. The oil level looks a bit raised but the oil is cream in colour! I thought I’d check the plugs but don’t have a 18mm hex plug socket so got to get one. I am thinking it might be goosed water pump seals but it’s still a bit of a mystery.
     
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