Blown Head Gasket!

Shakes · 2016-06-12 22:03:43

Hi everyone.

I have an '04 Dispatch HDi900 which has done 172,000 miles. Recently I was driving to Torquay and suffered a leak from the thermostat casing (attached to the engine). An inspection revealed extensive corrosion of the flange onto which the radiator top hose is attached, causing the coolant to squirt out from under the jubilee clip. Having reattached the hose further up the flange with a wider clip, this seemed to temporarily stop the leak.

A couple of weeks later I was on my way to Cornwall. After twenty minutes of motorway driving, the van started to rapidly overheat. On stopping, it was apparent that the water pump had blown resulting in total coolant loss. I spent £300 getting the pump and cambelt replaced, and ordered a new housing to replace the corroded one.

I though that would be that, but then it became obvious that there was far too much pressure in the cooling system (all hot hoses were rock hard, and one had inflated like a small balloon) which on a short run resulted in a burst radiator. It's clear that the head gasket has gone and I'm trying to decide how to proceed from here.

My questions are many, but here are the key ones as I see it - given the mileage on the engine, would the best approach be to source a reconditioned or used HDi engine and drop it in, or to repair the gasket on my original engine? I have an offer of garage facilities and 'mate's rates' for either job. I love the van (had it for five years) and the bodywork is very, very straight so I'm committed to keeping it on the road. What do you all think?

Casper · 2016-06-12 23:32:44

If you are sure it only the gasket then change. If its also drinking oil and smoking i would use this opportunity to get another engine.

Shakes · 2016-06-12 23:35:03

Thanks. No, she is smoke-free and doesn't use too much oil.

Watergypsy · 2016-06-12 23:55:47

I would repair the engine if I were in your position and commited to keeping it on the road, you have the time knowledge and the facilites to do it, so replacing with used or reconditioned would be a risk!
My van is my every day driver so if i was placed with the same problem i would probably buy another and break this one for parts because it would be the most cost effective for me. But it is a fine balance isn't it!
I have replaced most of the running gear on mine, wishbones cv joints track rods etc, but if the engine were to let go shes not worth the time or effort, £800 buys a good running van

Last edited by Watergypsy (2016-06-12 23:59:18)

vaz2121 · 2016-06-13 00:02:33

There's a lot to be said for the devil you know and having done cambelt...... I would say given the mileage and the symptoms a good low mileage(if poss under 100,000) engine may be the way to go..... As stripping down, head skimming.N.pressure tested, head set, replacement head(may have cracked head if got really hot)....... things are starting to mount up......Although you may still want a clutch fitting as engines out and I would as it's new whip off the new cam belt put it on replacement engine along with new idler pulley kit........An engine sourced from internet breakers with some warranty can be very competitive.......Talk with yer man whose giving the mates rates about cost of top end rebuild ......... I had a cambelt failure last year and it worked out much the same cost to replace engine.....

The hdi dw10ated which I assume is in your van was fitted to lots of cars also not just the van so should have plenty to choose from.

Here's a link I got from my mechanic to get quotes and an idea of used parts costs........

https://www.1stchoice.co.uk/

Casper · 2016-06-13 06:39:25

If having to pay garage priced to change the engine i think i would just get another van. I am sure its a drop out from below but if its out through the top that would be a front end strip down costing a lot more in labour.

Shakes · 2016-07-17 21:30:34

She's now SORNed and laid up at my mate's pub. Just started her up and driven her around the car park a few times.

The process of saving up for the repairs has begun.

Just wondering, how long will the quarter tank of diesel that's in there be good for? I don't want to foul the fuel system if I can help it.

monkeynut · 2016-07-17 23:31:10

A long time i left mine for months when i had my heart attack and bypass , its an oil unlike petrol , just fire it up now and again, have you priced up an engine?

Casper · 2016-07-18 11:01:00

monkeynut wrote:

have you priced up an engine?

^^ That

Your engine is over 170k mate. Could you imagine paying out a few 100 quid for something else expensive to go bang and for a few 100 more you could have something with around half those miles.

BigRob · 2016-07-21 23:26:50

Put another engine in it, it's not hard to do. Easily do it on axle stands with an engine crane, take the front off, bumper front panel and rad. Driveshafts and exhaust off, a few pipes and wires, engine mounts off and walk it out the front. Worse bit is swapping the loom over. A few months ago I brought a good 206 dw10 still with mot off eBay for £85 so I wouldn't pay to much for an engine.

Shakes · 2017-01-30 19:35:53

Guys, as you can probably see, I just got Brenda back after a thorough check over. It's looking like a replacement engine could be the only way to go. But I'm unsure of the exact engine type/designation...

She's a Mk1 Dispatch 900 2.0HDi on an '04. Anyone know the correct code or designation for this model please?

monkeynut · 2017-01-30 22:51:53

it will all be in the manual that is available for download on this site smile

Shakes · 2017-01-30 23:23:18

Manual??????????????

Well that would certainly help. Will have a look.

Can't believe there isn't a Haynes one, it's outrageous!!

OAT · 2017-01-31 00:36:19

Shakes wrote:

Can't believe there isn't a Haynes one, it's outrageous!!

It's the first vehicle I have ever owned that they don't do one. Can't imagine why not, the potential collective market of the three brands must be huge.

The Russek manual turns up on ebay at a reasonable price occasionally. Not so comprehensive as a Haynes might be but it covers engine and mechanics quite thoroughly.

I couldn't wait for a cheap auction one to appear so I bought a full price one at about £15. I thought it was overpriced but was more put out by the fact that on arrival it appears to be a cheap reprint.

Casper · 2017-01-31 00:47:51

Think i have a copy of the PUG CD manual if any good. It does not work to well on windows 10 though. Unsure what engines it covers.

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#1 2016-06-12 22:03:43

Blown Head Gasket!

#2 2016-06-12 23:32:44

Re: Blown Head Gasket!

#3 2016-06-12 23:35:03

Re: Blown Head Gasket!

#4 2016-06-12 23:55:47

Re: Blown Head Gasket!

#5 2016-06-13 00:02:33

Re: Blown Head Gasket!

#6 2016-06-13 06:39:25

Re: Blown Head Gasket!

#7 2016-07-17 21:30:34

Re: Blown Head Gasket!

#8 2016-07-17 23:31:10

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#9 2016-07-18 11:01:00

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#10 2016-07-21 23:26:50

Re: Blown Head Gasket!

#11 2017-01-30 19:35:53

Re: Blown Head Gasket!

#12 2017-01-30 22:51:53

Re: Blown Head Gasket!

#13 2017-01-30 23:23:18

Re: Blown Head Gasket!

#14 2017-01-31 00:36:19

Re: Blown Head Gasket!

#15 2017-01-31 00:47:51

Re: Blown Head Gasket!

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