Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Please note that it is not permitted to have referral links posted in your signature. Keep these links contained in the appropriate forum. Thank you.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2055940817/signature-rules

Ford Escort Head Gasket

Options
  • 22-10-2007 2:45pm
    #1
    mcirl2
    Closed Accounts Posts: 99 ✭✭


    I am driving a 96 escort with 108k.

    In the last few weeks the water in the coolant tank has become a rusty colour - its kind of oily. The car is heating up a bit more than it used too.

    I think these are the first symtoms of a head gasket leak / going to blow.

    I have heard that you can buy a new head gasket / seals and do it yourself. However what else needs doing? Is this an impossible job for a non mechanic?

    Also how much would it cost to get it fixed - any ideas?

    Would really appreciate some advice!!

    Thanks,

    Mike


Comments

  • Options
    #2
    Avns1s
    Registered Users Posts: 3,422 ✭✭✭Avns1s


    The replacement of a head gasket is not a job for someone who is a non mechanic or should I say, without at least intermediate or advanced mechanical skills.

    The head should be skimmed once removed and all components taken off, then there is the issue of rebuilding it, valve clearances, torquing down the head and timing belt fitting.

    It's not a simple job and while you might get it running, if it's not done absolutely correctly, you'll get an "action replay" in a few weeks.


  • Options
    #3
    mcirl2
    Closed Accounts Posts: 99 ✭✭mcirl2


    ok. I was thinking that.

    A friend was saying it might be the radiator. The water in the radiator tank is orange and dirty. Not really oily.

    Also the overheating is solved by the fan - it just seems the fan is on a lot.

    However there is slight oil seepage around the head / top of cyclinders. Its no much but it is there. is this normal.

    When I dip the oil it is perfect. Black but no water etc in it.

    What are the symtoms of a faulty radiator?

    Thanks


  • Options
    #4
    Avns1s
    Registered Users Posts: 3,422 ✭✭✭Avns1s


    From the symptoms you have described, I'd say there is leakage of compression into your water system.
    You could watch for air bubbles in your expansion tank especially as you rev the car and hold it at say 3000 rpm.

    There are also chemical tests that a garage can do to verify, not sure many do TBH.

    Really the only problems you could have with your rad would be leakage, blockage of airways and blockage of waterways. If this has happened suddenly it's unlikely that the rad has had any role to play.


    You should have the rad checked, the thermostat replaced and the waterpump checked for leakage also, when getting this job done.


Advertisement