I have recently bought a J reg 2litre diesel liteace and in superb condition etc... Was giving a honeymooning couple a lift to the airport when the coolant tank light came on... a few moments later the oil light came on and the van lost power until it just stopped, steam pouring out The AA thought it was probably the head gaskett/ cylinder head...i had it carried to a local garage and they looked at it and said they couldn't do anything and that it sounded like the cambelt may have gone (possibly in addition to everything else) as it was making some funny noises. They hinted that there may be some significant engine damage!! What do i do?? I have only had it for 2 weeks and haven't got a clue what to do with it! I live in Guildford, Surrey... If anyone has any advice i am more than happy to receive it!! Really don't have a clue what to do...
- (#12184) Anna, 19 Jul 04 09:02
Did you buy it from a garage, if so take it back, if not can you still start and run the engine. a badly blown head gasket will send alot of air bubbles up the neck of the filler pipe for the water. if it wont start then the head will proberly need to come off to investigate what the problem is. also have a look at these links. http://mpvi.net/index.html?ace=handbook
http://mpvi.net/index.html?ace=handbook
- (#12184) neil (torbay), 19 Jul 04 12:31
Thanks Neil - it was a private sale unfortunately and from what the repair garage said - it may just be cheaper to get a new engine? I haven't really had a chance to check anything else out yet - i'm not exactly mechanically minded but i'll certainly have a look at the hand books. Thanks again!
Any other ideas would be most appreciated - particularly if anyone knows a townie friendly repair shop around the Guildford area!!!
- (#12184) Anna, 19 Jul 04 13:36
Anna,
From what you say about the garage that looked at your engine I would be inclined to get a second opinion. You say the garage suspects the cambelt has gone yet they managed to run the engine. Anna, I am a fully qualified mechanic and I can tell you that no engine in the world will run if the cam belt has gone. The engine will, however, run if the cam belt has slipped but you would get a missfire and rough running if this happened and not overheating. I would be inclined to agree with Neil and look for a possible head gasket problem. Other things to look for that could cause overheating are water leaks leading to a total loss of water, blocked radiator and a faulty viscous fan. HTH.
Bill.
- (#12184) Bill, 20 Jul 04 14:48
Thanks Bill! That's useful to know...I will do just that! Don't suppose you live anywhere near Guildford!!!?? Just kidding - but if anyone does know of decent mechanics who know about Aces round this area i'd love to know! Especially of any that are really cheap, really efficient and will come and pick the van up.... God, we women are demanding!! Thanks again for the advice...! Anna
- (#12184) Anna, 21 Jul 04 12:16