General think my head gaskets gone

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General think my head gaskets gone

ballboy

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hi all

read a few threads on here think that my punto head gaskets gone
got an 8V 1200cc mk2 punto
between the head and the block looking from front of car,i can see a film of oil, and thats down the front of block,
not got a loss of power, just what looks like an oil leak
what do u think

also got a leak from o ring on coil pack, and sump gaskets leaks

sump gasket leak is due to me,I replaced the sump but i suppose i did not put enough gasket seal on sump.

i've read i need to have head shimmed, anyone know someone that does it near retford, worksop, or doncaster

thanks
 
With Oil Leaks its sometimes hard to tell
Usually its the Rocker Cover that leaks on Punto's externally, hardly the HG

But cause they see the oil around the HG area they panic

First of all
Oil Sump Leaking = Loss
Coil Pack seal = loss
possible Rocker = loss
Less likely HG = Loss

you are throwing money away with oil loss.....

Get a 10p Set of toothbrushs from sainsburys or any supermarket - get the wife's washing up liquid, and give the front of the engine a good clean
When its rinsed down (DONT USE A HOSE PIPE!) use a spray bottle - or a Mini Watering can to prevent water splashing everywhere, Clean the front of the engine
THEN daily look to see where its actually leaking from
Above the Exhaust Mani-cat = Rocker Cover £5seal and £5 tube of sealant which can be reused - since you said you did Sump = probably got some left?

If its under the Mani-cat = Probably HG, but i wouldnt wanna say without looking

Eitherway - Clean it up, watch the Oil level, run too low and you'll be having more then a HG replacement!

Ziggy
 
thanks
i'll try to sort out gasket on sump in morning
then clean up the engine and the engine bay

making right mess of my paving blocks so want to sort it out
 
If the oil is leaking from above the exhaust manifold, it's the cam cover gasket, rather than the head gasket. Much cheaper, mch less serious. The only way to be sure of a HG failure is a compression test -- about 15 quid at a backstreet garage, or you can get a compression tester for about the same posted off ebay.

Any competent mechanic can check the valve clearances and shim if necessary -- Volvos and Toyotas use a similar system. Anyone with Ducati experience can do it standing on their head and blindfolded.
 
Yes, head gasket issues usually manifest themselves with overheating and coolant issues. You have not mentioned any of these so I believe your head gasket is fine for the moment.
 
I never overheated when mine went

My car became a rocket! and didnt overheat
Was very very noisey tho with the tappets

As for every1 who suspects a potential Leak/HG/Heavy consumption

Check the car Every day / Before a long journey, keep some spare fluids/oils Just incase

I've dont it before where i did a long run, because i had towork the car so hard, when i finished up i'd lost most my oil
But mines a heavy user with been worked hard

its essential that you yes you do check on a very regulary basis

Ziggy
 
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