Head Gasget

[icemanclio]

my head gasget went on my diesal clio, is it expensive to fix

 

[metro1800]

Not overly expensive. Use a good quality gasket (preferably on OE one). You'd also be better getting the head checked for flatness and skimmed if needed, and pressure tested.

 

[icemanclio]

y what would it would £100 or more?

 

[metro1800]

To skim and test the head would be £60. Head gasket set, anything from £30 to £80. Then theres labour after that. I'm not a mechanic, but I'd say budget for £150-200

 

[RMS_CLK]

Thats about right perhaps a bit less. Ive done a couple of these, they're not too bad at all. If your lookin it fixed PM me and ill see what I can do. How u know the headgaskets gone???

 

[icemanclio]

well its losing a lot of water from the header tank and well thats about it, i would be looking it done

 

[RMS_CLK]

That doesnt neccissarly mean the gasket has gone.

 

[icemanclio]

could to be something more expensive

 

[RMS_CLK]

Could just be a leak. You sure it isnt leaking??? Check your oil on the dip-stick - what colour is it? If its creamy coloured then its most likely a head gasket, or have you noticed the exhaust fumes very steamy.

 

[metro1800]

Or if theres alot of pressure building up in the header tank

 

[icemanclio]

ni i haven't noticed any of that, its just i went to ats today to get my wheel alligment gone and when he put it on the ramp, we noicted a lot of water on the work floor, we looked and it was dripping from the car

 

[icemanclio]

what do u mean a lot of presure would that be a sign of a head gasget

 

[RMS_CLK]

Well thats gonna be a leak then mate most likely. If you want me to take a look at it for ya pm me.

 

[Kerzo]

sounds like a water pump

 

[RMS_CLK]

Could be anything, burst hose, cracked header, cracked rad. What it sounds like is a leak. Where its coming from cant be diagnosed with the information that has been given.

 

[Kerzo]

true true........but sure lets just say I am right just for the hell of it

 

[ZS]

If it's a diesel Clio, then it'll be the radiator core rotten along the bottom.

Mine rotted through at 2.5 years old. OK, it had over 110k on it, but still.

 

[icemanclio]

so do u think i could rule out the head gasget

 

[paddymcc]

One way to rule out the head gasket is to check the oil as RMS_CLK said. If its mayo coloured then the water is mixing with the oil and the head gasket is gone. Simple test just take out the dip stick and look at it or open the oil filler cap and look in there and around the inside of the cap.

 

[metro1800]

One way to rule out the head gasket is to check the oil as RMS_CLK said. If its mayo coloured then the water is mixing with the oil and the head gasket is gone. Simple test just take out the dip stick and look at it or open the oil filler cap and look in there and around the inside of the cap.

Head gasket could still be gone, even if the oil and water look fine. Depending on where its gone it could mix the oil and water like you say, or it could pressurise the cooling system, or it could leak water internally and misfire/alot of white smoke

 

[Jonny]

maybe you should take the car back to where you got it and ask for a refund you dont seem to have much of a clue about it, best leave it alone i'd say

 

[big cyril]

I had a Freelander which had a failed head gasket once (surprise , surprise ) and it presented with coolant loss and steam in the exhaust but the oil was still normal.
It cost 300 quid a few years back as the head needed skimmed.

 

[icemanclio]

Head gasket could still be gone, even if the oil and water look fine. Depending on where its gone it could mix the oil and water like you say, or it could pressurise the cooling system, or it could leak water internally and misfire/alot of white smoke

what does pressurise the cooling system mean

 

[metro1800]

what does pressurise the cooling system mean

It means alot of pressure builds up in the header tank, and when you release the cap (even when not fully heated) the coolant flies out

 

[icemanclio]

yeah thats what happens went to a garage they quoted me between 300-400 to get it fixed i am on a budget and can't afford this amount, i need to get it fixed and don't know how to pm on this site lol