Jump to content

HGF? Nope, check for cracks


Recommended Posts

My 2.5l GT6 was running just fine when I noticed steam coming from the exhaust and the temp had shot up, pulled over and awaited recovery. I removed the head, no obvious sign of damage to the head gasket and I'd convinced myself it was a poor quality part. I checked both faces for straightness against a steel rule, all looked well so I reassembled with a new head gasket, filled with oil & water and thought all was ready. I am awaiting a new exhaust manifold so couldn't start the car up, I decided to turn it over on the starter to distribute the oil, water vapour was visible from the no2 piston exhaust valve, on stripping the head again I discovered that the head has a crack. Lesson learnt, if I ever have another seeming HGF I will take a wire brush to all chambers and check before refitting. 

Please wait while image is uploading...

 

crack.JPG

Link to post
Share on other sites
1 hour ago, iani said:

My 2.5l GT6 was running just fine when I noticed steam coming from the exhaust and the temp had shot up, pulled over and awaited recovery. I removed the head, no obvious sign of damage to the head gasket and I'd convinced myself it was a poor quality part. I checked both faces for straightness against a steel rule, all looked well so I reassembled with a new head gasket, filled with oil & water and thought all was ready. I am awaiting a new exhaust manifold so couldn't start the car up, I decided to turn it over on the starter to distribute the oil, water vapour was visible from the no2 piston exhaust valve, on stripping the head again I discovered that the head has a crack. Lesson learnt, if I ever have another seeming HGF I will take a wire brush to all chambers and check before refitting. 

Please wait while image is uploading...

 

crack.JPG

That head may still be salvageable with an valve insert, I would take that head to a reputable engine machine shop. They will probably tell you it will be at your risk. A good M/C Shop will be able to pressure test there work for leaks.

Bruce.

Link to post
Share on other sites

My friend had similar on a stag engine. He rebuilt it at great expense after a valve collet let go. Fired it up first time and water level plummeted and steam out the exhaust. Thought it was a duff hg so replaced and same again. Despondent he went on hols. Came back and took it all apart and there was a 5mm hold in the combustion chamber. The firm who machined the heads missed it.  They were a good firm and aluminium welded it and it has been fine ever since. 

Cheers 

Tim

Link to post
Share on other sites
23 hours ago, iani said:

My 2.5l GT6 was running just fine when I noticed steam coming from the exhaust and the temp had shot up, pulled over and awaited recovery. I removed the head, no obvious sign of damage to the head gasket and I'd convinced myself it was a poor quality part. I checked both faces for straightness against a steel rule, all looked well so I reassembled with a new head gasket, filled with oil & water and thought all was ready. I am awaiting a new exhaust manifold so couldn't start the car up, I decided to turn it over on the starter to distribute the oil, water vapour was visible from the no2 piston exhaust valve, on stripping the head again I discovered that the head has a crack. Lesson learnt, if I ever have another seeming HGF I will take a wire brush to all chambers and check before refitting. 

Please wait while image is uploading...

 

crack.JPG

Hi Ian 

check the area carefully as that does not look  like a normal crack.

To me it looks like there is a void behind the 'crack' and it has broken through

OMG

 

Roger

Link to post
Share on other sites
On 6/12/2022 at 5:51 PM, RogerH said:

Hi Ian 

check the area carefully as that does not look  like a normal crack.

To me it looks like there is a void behind the 'crack' and it has broken through

OMG

 

Roger

the head is scrap Roger, I have obtained another one.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Please familiarise yourself with our Terms and Conditions. By using this site, you agree to the following: Terms of Use.