Our Rover 114 has suffered a blown head gasket. Unusually (?) the oil looks uncontaminated but the engine block waterways, rad and all hoses were completely blocked with emulsion. There's no real circulation (the impeller just spins in the gunge) even with a warm engine.
Is there a way I can clean the less accessible parts of the engine out without stripping it down?
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Are you certain it isnt head crack..This usualy causes that..whats been done so far. ie did you have head pressure tested?..You will need a good flushing agent to clear it.Bear in mind sometimes the rad/heater matrix wont clear.meaning new ones..others may dissagree??
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Steve
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I agree, it is likely that a new radiator and matrix may be a good idea.
Here's a rarity! - I would go further and suggest that the rubber hoses may also be damaged by the oil, and may begin to rot from the inside out.
number_cruncher
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Thanks for the advice re the head. So far have just lifted it for a look see. could you explain how a pressure test is done (e.g. on removed or still fitted head)?
Certainly will have to replace rad - original burst seam under the strain. Got a nice clean one from a good breakers and included the top and bottom hoses. Will probably do same for matrix.
I'm wondering how effective a flush would be - as there is no circulation I worry that it won't really get into the emulsion (which is really thick).
I'm also wondering if a replacement engine from a breaker would be more cost/time effective than trying to fix the old one, particularly if it needs a new head...
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What would worry me. Is if oil build up is that bad. it may be almost solid around bores due to heat. so a flush may not work.the water ways on this unit are small..so any blockage is bad news..Your idea to replace it may be the best option.I cannot advise any real solution as I cannot see it.But would suggest if you do replace.make sure it comes from reputable place..preferably not a scrap yard. Some are scrapped for this reason.
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Steve
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To add to my last post..its on rare occasions head gasket causes this..easy way to tell if oil getting into water..take of header tank cap.look inside should be only water/antifreeze mixture..any oil drops will be a greyish colour floating on surface of water..bear in mind a head crack wont allways cause rough running. where h/g. failure will.or usualy does..AS soon as you see this get it sorted before serious damage occurs. So many think its only h/g. unfortunately head is usually the case..water in oil is H/G
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Steve
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There is a fairly simple way to clean the system. A solution of 50% water, 50% bleach put in the system and run for half an hour. This is an official Vauxhall method and proven to work with no adverse affects. Try it... I did on my 111i and it did a good job. If it's well gunged up you may need to do it twice.
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These are the views of Robin the Technician with 35 years in the trade. I fix, therefore I am...
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Tried bleach on a sample of the gunk in a jamjar and it did deleted all even with vigorous stirring. Will try the Forte stuff later posters have recommended too.
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Thanks to steve.o, Number_Cruncher & Robin The Technician for all the advice; much appreciated!
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NG. would you let us know what the outcome is..As you didnt state what you are doing..I for one would like to know how you get on.
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Steve
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If this is the first time the HG has failed on yoru car you will have the old style gasket and locating dowels.
The new gasket is somewhat modified and has steel (were plastic) locating dowels. I doubt the head will be cracked.
Reassemble it with a new gasket etc and all will be fine. The worst job is cleaning the gunk out.
I wouldn't replace the heater matrix, just give it a good flushing, I use Forte cooling system cleaner, good stuff but keep it off your hands!
Perhaps replacing the radiator would be a good idea.
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groups.msn.com/honestjohn - Pictures say a thousand words.....
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Will do Steve, may be a while what with Xmas shopping etc (groan)
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Hi, you need to get some cooling system flush by forte, this is a new product manufactured with the Rover k series engine head gaskets in mind. You will need 2 tins and that will do the trick.
good luck.
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Thanks for the suggestion BD - will give it a go.
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