After investigating a problem with failed belts, I discovered the water pump had failed. You could move the fan significantly.

While replacing the water pump, I discovered that the two ali pipes that return coolant from the manifold at the back of the engine had come free and the coolant was just lost immediately... this was fixed in a garage, but after the job was complete, the engine has now failed a pressure test. We also did a coolant test (looking for contamination) and it’s pretty clear there is a failure in the head gasket. The coolant boils a few minutes after the engine is started.

So, it looks like a new head gasket, which will also require a head skim, and I think there is another gasket that should also be replaced - we’ll thats what my mechanic says anyway.

Does anyone know the likely cost of this work, and have recommendations of anyone south of London or Kent that is reliable?

Also, anything else I should maintain while the top is off, or any notes on the head gasket changing procedure to make sure I get the best job done?

F***.

get your chain guides done. They become brittle after 100,000 miles or so and then shatter. also look at your oil cooler and radiator of damage adn sludge in bottom. change them if they are original.

Thanks.

Good call on the chain guides. The oil cooler is on the list. I’ll have a look at the rad.

Forgot to applaud you on your great choice of car by the way! 👻👍😎🤸‍♀️👏🛰🎯

These lads are really good

http://www.ahlengineering.co.uk/

@OP,

what was the result of this? Any joy?

Also, anything else I should maintain while the top is off, or any notes on the head gasket changing procedure to make sure I get the best job done?

F***.[/quote]

Have a look at Rave the information is comprehensive and illustrates a step by step guide on HG replacement procedure

Op total 4 posts 2 years ago dont think your ever gonna find out what his final out come was

He are a couple of pics of my mates rebuild

Ring Engineering did our head gaskets 50k miles ago and it has been fine

https://www.ring-engineering.co.uk/

@ohuntsman and GSXR dave,

How much did it cost please?

Sorry I’ve just seen this.

It was about £2,500

The complete engine rebuild wasnt even 2500 and we fitted a replacment bottom end !

I can ask my mate how much todo your head gaskets but its all dependant on your location