Thanks Dave,

I fear you are right, everything is pointing at the gaskets. I think I was hoping for a miracle in that it might be something simpler. And of course you are right; it failed a chem test - and I'm sort of ignoring it - not a strategy that's gonna get it fixed.

I'm going to do a compression and leak-down test which should be a challenge as I fear the chances of 8 glow plugs playing ball is somewhat slim !

Still, with the world as it is, looks like I can take it at leisurely pace !

Thanks very much for you 2c - very much appreciated

Nick

I forgot completely to check my hose temps sorry but will do tomorrow, I was going to suggest leak down and coolant pressure tests etc but as you said it is so much work to do that id just say it may aswell do both head gaskets.. have injectors checked or replaced with other related componentlry at the same time, it,s not a bad thing budy if it is going to do another 300k ks.. whats that.. another 10- 15 years worth?

I think (and might do myself as i am at 260 k ks) that heads should be re torqued at or before this point

If you can do the work yourself and have the time to spare it's not going to have to cost an arm and a leg at all


Dave 2010 3.6TDV8 Autobiography
Bas remap, Egr deleted (blanked & via remap) , Cold air intake, Turbo back exhaust, Provent 200 catch can, Banks idash gauge, 275/55/R20

GAP Diagnostics

Past - 02 & 03 TD6 And an 1984 Classic

Still going on this one !!

So it's def the head gasket. Performed compression and leak down test - Cylinders 1 and 3 are pressurising the coolant system. And that's only at 100psi so under compression and firing its going to be much more pronounced.

Head gasket here we come ! and Steel Seal failed to do it !

Any tips with the next stage are most welcome !

Thanks

Nick

Get another couple of bottles of steel seal in, might just need a bit extra.

Failing that heads off time

Just thought I'd update this one for anyone who is interested.......

New head gaskets all round !! - Horrible job !! - Did it myself - Awarded myself medals !! - Problem sorted !! Previous life - 2012 L320 SDV6 - Got divorced, say no more!
Previous life - 2014 L494 SDV6 - Got nicked, without keys, watched it go !
The Duchess - 2007 L322 TDV8 3.6 Autobiography with 270K miles on the clock
The Bonkers One - Audi SQ7 V8 4L TT - It will pull your face off.