HEAD GASKET HEART SORE!!!

[CustomB Profile Website]

Hi all, So this week I done my usual checks, oil water etc... I see oil in the water bottle.... all I think WTF!

So I got down to strip the motor or just the head, what a lovely job, to find nothing wrong with the motor or anything at least except were the leak was in the gasket washing all the carbon buildup on 3 & 4, could see a little path the water seeped through in the gasket. luckily no damage to anything once again, so Im replacing all seals and gaskets now and hopefully back up running by Sunday.

There were tell tale signs thinking back that I did not listen to, I was **** not to listen to.
1. Rough misfire on startup hot/cold start.
2. got told I had a small white smoke puff once in a while from exhaust.
3. A radiator hose popped off a while ago, I thought it may have just been a loose pipe.
4. and recently the water was going down
5. had slight signs of mayo in the oil cap (which I thought may just be a bit of moisture)

I'm so grateful no major damage was caused. so here are signs for any of you out there and best to get your car checked having these signs before any damage.

[[email protected]]

Glad you caught it in time! What car?

[ash Profile]

Hi all, So this week I done my usual checks, oil water etc... I see oil in the water bottle.... all I think WTF!

So I got down to strip the motor or just the head, what a lovely job, to find nothing wrong with the motor or anything at least except were the leak was in the gasket washing all the carbon buildup on 3 & 4, could see a little path the water seeped through in the gasket. luckily no damage to anything once again, so Im replacing all seals and gaskets now and hopefully back up running by Sunday.

There were tell tale signs thinking back that I did not listen to, I was **** not to listen to.
1. Rough misfire on startup hot/cold start.
2. got told I had a small white smoke puff once in a while from exhaust.
3. A radiator hose popped off a while ago, I thought it may have just been a loose pipe.
4. and recently the water was going down
5. had slight signs of mayo in the oil cap (which I thought may just be a bit of moisture)

I'm so grateful no major damage was caused. so here are signs for any of you out there and best to get your car checked having these signs before any damage.

call me before you assemble motor / head.

084 258 3744

[CustomB Profile Website]

Its my Focus ST 225 pre facelift.....

[PoLonY Profile]

You sure the sleeve didn't crack at all?

[ash Profile]

You sure the sleeve didn't crack at all?

you right Strat, they are so difficult to trace in early stages. ive seen one that looked fine. heated it up with a plumbers torch then the crack became evident

[CustomB Profile Website]

Very sure. Had few guys come check too. there was the evidence of the gasket leaking the water.

She is now all back together, 2nd turn of the key she starts up better than ever, like she should, gone for a drive and so far no problems at all.
no misfire on startup now, its awesome.

[Oros007 Profile]

Good to hear bud, please keep us updated as you had all the signs of a cracked sleeve.

[CustomB Profile Website]

so far done 500km now, she still running 100%, Driven hard, Driven far(well Alberton to PTA and back). no problems at all. only one boost pipe came loose which I must have tightened to much and broke the clamp.
Yes You got to assume the worst but be grateful it wasn't the worst.
Thanks guys for your input

[Oros007 Profile]

Glad to hear your cabby is still running well,I really thought that it was a cracked sleeve.

[juju1 Profile]

Hi all, So this week I done my usual checks, oil water etc... I see oil in the water bottle.... all I think WTF!

So I got down to strip the motor or just the head, what a lovely job, to find nothing wrong with the motor or anything at least except were the leak was in the gasket washing all the carbon buildup on 3 & 4, could see a little path the water seeped through in the gasket. luckily no damage to anything once again, so Im replacing all seals and gaskets now and hopefully back up running by Sunday.

There were tell tale signs thinking back that I did not listen to, I was **** not to listen to.
1. Rough misfire on startup hot/cold start.
2. got told I had a small white smoke puff once in a while from exhaust.
3. A radiator hose popped off a while ago, I thought it may have just been a loose pipe.
4. and recently the water was going down
5. had slight signs of mayo in the oil cap (which I thought may just be a bit of moisture)

I'm so grateful no major damage was caused. so here are signs for any of you out there and best to get your car checked having these signs before any damage.

same issue my car now in for head gasket replacement. I was let down by the failed coolant hose which popped out and overheated the engine

[Jeff_ZA Profile]

At least ST250 tells you to pullover as soon as it detects overheating, happened once with radiator leak.


same issue my car now in for head gasket replacement. I was let down by the failed coolant hose which popped out and overheated the engine[/quote]

[juju1 Profile]

costs is 11k.. ....at least extended warranty to cover. will pay for the oil, oil filter and coolant

[juju1 Profile]

valves, thermostat, gaskets are on the list of replacement

[juju1 Profile]

ST is back from repairs will drive longer distance this morning to feel if all is well again