Head Gasket

[kenclarke]

Hi

I am new to this site and would like some info please. Just swapped my 2001 picasso 2 Hdi for a 1999 galaxy lx tdi V-reg (regretting it now) :o

On the way home the oil light came on, temp on gauge still low. Got home to find engine cooking oil all over place, expansion tank full of oil, but radiator and bottom hoses cold. Now I'm guessing water pump has failed and engine overheated and head gasket gone.

What I'd like to know is which engine is it on this model, how likely is it head is warped and what other problems may I come across. Are ther any other cars I could use for donod parts if required. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks All

Ken

[sparky Paul]

Not sure about these engines specifically, but the only way to know the extent of the damage for sure is to whip the head off. Even badly overheated heads can sometimes be saved, and occasionally minor overheating can do irrepairable damage. One thing I would say is that I would NOT refit a head without a light skim and pressure test, unless you are absolutely certain it is perfect. For what it costs, it often saves doing the job again soon down the line.

 

I think there is an oil cooler on some/all of the Galaxy diesels which needs to be checked, this is a common failure and leads to lots of oil in the header tank. You shouldn't see as much oil in the header tank for a blown head gasket.

 

One other thing... how far did you drive with the oil pressure light on? :o

Edited July 13, 2009 by sparky Paul

[kenclarke]

Not sure about these engines specifically, but the only way to know the extent of the damage for sure is to whip the head off. Even badly overheated heads can sometimes be saved, and occasionally minor overheating can do irrepairable damage. One thing I would say is that I would NOT refit a head without a light skim and pressure test, unless you are absolutely certain it is perfect. For what it costs, it often saves doing the job again soon down the line.

 

I think there is an oil cooler on some/all of the Galaxy diesels which needs to be checked, this is a common failure and leads to lots of oil in the header tank. You shouldn't see as much oil in the header tank for a blown head gasket.

 

One other thing... how far did you drive with the oil pressure light on? :o

 

I drove for a couple of miles but the light was only flickering on with no revs on engine when engine was revved light went out

[sparky Paul]

I drove for a couple of miles but the light was only flickering on with no revs on engine when engine was revved light went out

Should be fine then. :o

 

I would look at that oil cooler very carefully, look for the lump on the block where the oil filter fits, there should be coolant pipes connected to it. If you have a search around the forum, you should find a few threads about this.

 

Good luck!

[gregers]

have you swapped this at a dealers?if so take it back and demand that they do any repairs to it.

[kenclarke]

I drove for a couple of miles but the light was only flickering on with no revs on engine when engine was revved light went out

Should be fine then. ;)

 

I would look at that oil cooler very carefully, look for the lump on the block where the oil filter fits, there should be coolant pipes connected to it. If you have a search around the forum, you should find a few threads about this.

 

Good luck!

Stripped head and had pressure tested head ok with no signs of warping.

Also pressure tested oil cooler and that fine as well. No obvious tell tale signs on head gasket to show ira failed. I think it's time to look at the block.

Will let you know how everything goes