V6 Head Gasket

[dazza33]

Would it be fair to assume that a constant flow of air bubbles coming up and out the radiator inlet at the top while the cap is off and the car is running would suggest a head gasket problem.

Cheers, Darren.

 

[accentstencil]

I think you assume correctly and have a blown head gasket.

 

[Mumstaxi]

Am new to this site, and am looking for some help please guys. Vehicle was serviced yesterday and was told have blown head gasket and there was no water in the car. 186000 and VT acclaim wagon runs beautifully. Did some research and found out that it could be the inlet valley seals and also requires a engine flush, also the heater tap was leaking .. that why it was using water. My question is: If the Inlet valley seals are gone does this affect a compression test. Mum with two squids desperately seeking help without the $$$$.PPPPLLLEEEAAASSEEE!!!!!!!

 

[TheForgotten]

Am new to this site, and am looking for some help please guys. Vehicle was serviced yesterday and was told have blown head gasket and there was no water in the car. 186000 and VT acclaim wagon runs beautifully. Did some research and found out that it could be the inlet valley seals and also requires a engine flush, also the heater tap was leaking .. that why it was using water. My question is: If the Inlet valley seals are gone does this affect a compression test. Mum with two squids desperately seeking help without the $$$$.PPPPLLLEEEAAASSEEE!!!!!!!

clicky
should also ad in that unfortunately, cars=$$$

 

[chargedvx6]

Would it be fair to assume that a constant flow of air bubbles coming up and out the radiator inlet at the top while the cap is off and the car is running would suggest a head gasket problem.

Cheers, Darren.

Try and bleed the coolant system 1st, top it up, bleed it again. They are a pita to bleed sometimes

 

[garywg]

Changing the valley cover seals won't affect compression test.

 

[vxcalais_01]

I think he meant having blown valley gasket would it affect compression test ? No i don think so. Do a pressure test and see if any leaks. Check your water pump. I just changed my inlet gasket 2 months ago and it blew at approx 150,000k's. My symptoms were oil in the radiator. I really doubt its the head gasket. Unless from loosing water now you may have overheated them, otherwise i doubt it. Like the gentleman said, bleed it first and see how it goes. Check all your hoses etc. If your loosing water it must go somwhere, check your oil levels, is there white gunk under oil cap ? White inside on rockers etc ? Can you see the water on the oil dipstick level ? It has to to somewhere.

Manifold gasket can leak water into oil, oil into water or water outside the intake.

 

[garywg]

If you are still losing water take the car to a REPUTABLE radiator specialist and get them to do a cooling system pressure check, they'll put the cooling system under pressure and you can have a good look to see where the coolant is leaking from.

 

[Mumstaxi]

Thanks for advice guys! I checked back with the mechanic who did service and he said he did a TK test (on the radiator) and it changed colour, he said he also for water in the oil and yes there is a small amount of oil residue on the radiator cap. I then went to a reputable radiator specialists and they couldn't find anything that would suggest a blown head gasket. They (and 6 other mechanics) told me not to worry about head, just flush cooling system, fix leaking heater tap and change all the hoses. They said engine is tough as nails. I do know that I have some other things to fix like why do I keep blowing indicator bulbs? And they they stick on alot not flashing. The service mechanic also said thatthere is a "bearing noise from the rear (diff/rear wheel bearings)", my husband and I thought it was just from the tyres.. (newest car we have EVER owned, so this is all new!) Where would I go to get this noise checked out?

 

[vxcalais_01]

Go to a suspension shop, Pedders Suspension may be able to help, or a driveline specialist. The TK test is probably the best test to find if combustion gas is entering the system. Just not many mechanics are quick to do it.