'Head Case'
When I first bought my LE last March she looked like she had had a slight weep from the head gasket in the past as ther was a slight rusty residue on the block/distributor area. although she doesn't noticeably use water after a lot of city work last weekend it was clear that the leak was far from fixed so today it was off with the head.
the job went well and was even pretty clean apart from the thermostat housing (usual problem of the alloy cover welding itself to the studs) so extra new parts needed. I wish the studs were available in stainless as it would illiminate the problem ever reoccurring. anyway apart from that the rest of the engines internals look to be in A1 condition with next to no wear 🙂 apart from a slightly rattly water pump which will also be replaced. So after having made a small shopping list I now have to wait until later in the week to put her all back together along with the K&N filters/ new carb needles before testing her thoroughly 🙂
That's spooky you just described my engine right down to the rattly waterpump. At the moment mines not leaking from the head or the pump, going to mgoc at swavesy on thursday guess I will be adding a pump and head set to the list just in case.
my head didn't look wet at the joint till this last weekend's trip out. I put a pressure tester on before removing things as the heads has a tendancy to crack (usually through over tightening) between cylinders 2 & 3 but all points to a failed gasket...phew!!!!
The water pump looks to be the original (she's only covered 46k miles) and although not leaking is somewhat noisy in the bearing department so think it's better safe than sorry to replace for the sake of £20...
If you decide to change the thermostat though be sure to see how easy you think it will be to remove or for safety's sake pick a new housing and studs up whilst your there 😉
New theromostat housing cost me $108.00 Aust Approx 72 GBP! last month UK spares prices are so good.
I wanted an original Leyland stamped unit-cost £10 but new ones are available at the same price...
Went to mgoc today, had a free w/shop inspection, wish bone bushes need replacing which were about £6 for four v8 ones apparently they last longer, battery hold down clamp stainless £7.50, and a pair of front bump stops £7.05 each.got a bit of bodywork to do hopefully nothing serious won't know till I start.
that doesn't sound to bad to me :D...
Well I've got the head back on my L.E. having re-tapped the threads for the thermostat housing flushed the whole system (inc heater) to remove loads of crud and have quickly test run her and all looks good. Just awaiting the new studs and then she can go for a proper test run before re-tightening the head & fitting the K&N filters/new needles 😀