HG woes

[BARNEY_MK1]

Today, i was driving home from work and as i got to the turning for my street, the car poured out white smoke so i am pretty certain the Head Gasket has gone. There is still coolant in the system and the car did not overheat at all as i only drove just a few yards after the smoke started. I checked the engine and the car does not misfire with the 4th ht lead unplugged but does misfire if any of the others are unplugged. As i have learned on here, this is a classic problem with the 4AGE engine where the 4th port is related to the Head Gasket failure.

I am unsure what to do and would welcome advice. Considering the outstanding condition of the bodywork, the expensive extras on the car and the potential to fix with a new head gasket or replacement engine i would like to save it but don't really have the funds or expertise to do it.

I have put the car up for sale on here for now but i am in two minds. Do i keep it and eventually sort the problem or let it go? Do i investigate the problem further and replace the HG with a guide like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHUgekQr2qc
Or find a replacement engine like this one near me: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4age-engine-f ... 1c2b0f5231
Maybe this could be an opportunity to go down the route of an engine conversion?!

This mk1 has been a real joy and the drive from Basingstoke to Kettering and back this weekend was very enjoyable.

This is a real shame but at least it made it to JAE and back before this happened!

[LimeyMk1]

Straight swap for the engine in your ad wouldn't take too long to do, probably the best bet to be honest, my Mk1 did a similar 'James Bond' style smoke screen and the block was corroded.

How much of a rush would you be in to get her back on the road?

[Lauren]

If No.4 isn't doing anything, do a compression test.

[BARNEY_MK1]

Straight swap for the engine in your ad wouldn't take too long to do, probably the best bet to be honest, my Mk1 did a similar 'James Bond' style smoke screen and the block was corroded.

How much of a rush would you be in to get her back on the road?

Ok, that might be the plan then, i was just worried about fitting a replacement engine and having the same or worse issues. Could be an option if i find the right engine and someone to fit it though.

I don't want the car sitting there forever like this but i'm not in a mad rush as i have a mountain bike i can use to get to work, so at least i will be getting fit!

[BARNEY_MK1]

If No.4 isn't doing anything, do a compression test.

I will try and get it to a garage for a compression test. Do you think it could be anything other than a failed HG? Its not overheating but there is plenty of thick white smoke and water coming out of the exhaust.

[PW@Woodsport]

A compression test is a waste of time and money, in this case the HG has clearly gone, nothing else explains a cylinder not working properly and lots of white smoke.

It's also on number 4 which is a dead cert.

[LimeyMk1]

I don't want the car sitting there forever like this but i'm not in a mad rush as i have a mountain bike i can use to get to work, so at least i will be getting fit!

Okie, reason I asked is that I'd be happy to help fit a fresh lump in the car, but will be going away for a while towards the end of the month. I've got an engine hoist, so no need to worry about tools etc.

[BARNEY_MK1]

I don't want the car sitting there forever like this but i'm not in a mad rush as i have a mountain bike i can use to get to work, so at least i will be getting fit!

Okie, reason I asked is that I'd be happy to help fit a fresh lump in the car, but will be going away for a while towards the end of the month. I've got an engine hoist, so no need to worry about tools etc.

That is an outstanding offer of help, thank-you very much. If the car doesn't sell as it is then i will look for a low mileage, good quality engine as a replacement to fit with your help. As the HG is gone, i wouldn't want to strip it down only to discover its not repairable. If only i could afford a 1.5 or v6 conversion! My number is 07713470734. Cheers. Rob

[LimeyMk1]

That is an outstanding offer of help, thank-you very much. If the car doesn't sell as it is then i will look for a low mileage, good quality engine as a replacement to fit with your help. As the HG is gone, i wouldn't want to strip it down only to discover its not repairable. If only i could afford a 1.5 or v6 conversion!

No worries, always happy to play with a stock Mk1. I've lost count of the number of 4AGEs I've pulled out and put back in.

I'm over in Oz from the 24th Sept until the 18th Oct so any weekend after I get back.

[BARNEY_MK1]

That is an outstanding offer of help, thank-you very much. If the car doesn't sell as it is then i will look for a low mileage, good quality engine as a replacement to fit with your help. As the HG is gone, i wouldn't want to strip it down only to discover its not repairable. If only i could afford a 1.5 or v6 conversion!

No worries, always happy to play with a stock Mk1. I've lost count of the number of 4AGEs I've pulled out and put back in.

I'm over in Oz from the 24th Sept until the 18th Oct so any weekend after I get back.

Excellent. What a relief that you have that much experience in the 4age engine replacements and are quite nearby aswell. Just got to find the right engine now. I will be in touch when i have. Thanks

[LimeyMk1]

Mostly because I kept on breaking them.

[BARNEY_MK1]

Would you advise getting an engine from a mk1 which i can see running or is it ok to get an engine which has already been removed like the cheap one on the ebay link i posted earlier?

[LimeyMk1]

It's usually best to see/hear it running. The one in the ebay ad is from a TwoBrutal member going by the username so you should be able to get some info from him if you're interested in it.

Thought so:

http://www.twobrutal.co.uk/forum/member ... naphillips

[BARNEY_MK1]

Superb. Just messaged them to ask about it.

[Tiamat]

I would also add my services for the engine swap as well, have also removed quite a few engines, primarily with LimeyMK1s help I will admit. Also have quite a dearth of tools available to assist with this.

[BARNEY_MK1]

Thanks, i really appreciate your offers to help with the swap. It means alot. I will need all the help i can get! I have just been offered an engine by Neil Jones the mk1 breaker so may get that sent by courier to Hampshire. One concern i have is that my car seems to be a 1987 mk1b/a crossover and has some slight differences. Hopefully this won't effect the swap.

[Tiamat]

You shouldn't have any problems with the engine, since if you get the wrong engine you can use the injectors and ECU etc out of your original engine anyway. The main differences between the two engines is these two points.

[pk_090]

Just out of curiosity what has Jones quoted you. PM me as to not get in trouble!
Alex

[cartledge_uk]

I'll also lend a hand, i'm well past double figures on engine changes

(and malcolm, I promise not to drop any tools/bolts on your head this time)

[BARNEY_MK1]

You shouldn't have any problems with the engine, since if you get the wrong engine you can use the injectors and ECU etc out of your original engine anyway. The main differences between the two engines is these two points.

Ok, thanks for the info. You're right, there should be enough bits and pieces between the two engines to complete the job.