Technical Brava 1.2 sx HG failure (Please!)

[Nathan]

Hi, new to the forum just bought this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....m=260160983824&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=016 Pretty pleased with it, it runs and the bottom end is nice and smooth, however when started it creates a smokescreen of white smoke, now I know this indcates HG failure, but it does seem a little excessive! So I was thinking cracked water jacket on head? any ideas, has anybody had this?

Is there a walkthrough for HG replacement anywhere? Does anybody have one?

Oh you may have noticed £142!!

 

[mountainmachine]

there's a walk through in the Bravo/a Haynes manual, tbh sounds like a HG failure, have you tried a compression test?

 

[Nathan]

No haven't had chance yet - trying to move house! dont think the problem is severe enough to cause significant compression loss, even with the HG failed the motor 'feels' strong when running I have just never seen so much white smoke! (maybe on police camera action!) gonna initially try some bars leaks at tickover to see if that starts to seal it, I have had success before with this, but any strain on the engine blows the seal! but should give good indication.

Never had a brava before, although I used to have a Cinquecento sporting and used to do weekly runs from Birminghham to Norfolk in it, So will see how I get on!

PS is the 1.2 16v free running?

 

[jug]

1.2 16v is a good engine but it struggles a bit in something the size of the bravo.

is your coolant level dropping and is there any sign of oil and water mixing?

 

[Nathan]

oh big time, water in neck of header tank is like oil slick!

 

[jug]

in that case definately get the head pressure tested when the head gasket is replaced.