Head skimming and gasket change

[Pete]

Hi,

Newby here, having trouble with my relatively new to me T2 2.7 Tdi 1999. Seems that the head gasket is blown or head cracked maybe. Unfortunately diesel spesh up the road wants 1200 quid to repair it after looking in the (empty) radiator.

I'm losing a couple of pints from the cooling system,each few mile journey
with no obvious leaks. Fair bit of dark smoke, especially on start up. This seems to be getting worse over time.

I guess what I'm after is....is it the head, how much should it cost.. is it easy to do, I'm not too stupid and...Where's a good place to get the parts.

I also have a starting issue, sounds a bit like duff starter, but if you pursue it then it turns over fine and starts, obviously in a big puff of smoke. From reading this looks like the ignition switch, again where can I get a cheap one.

All this and Christmas is coming.

Thanks for any help I get in advance.

Pete

 

[Toolbox]

Firstly hello and welcome to the club Pete,

If your head gasket has gone and loosing water in to the cylinders, you should be able to see water vapour at the exhaust when running and you may have water in the oil, this will turn the oil milky in bad cases.
Your starting problem may be down to water on top of the pistons, if it is you stand a chance of bending the conrods if you do not get it fixed.

If your head gasket has only gone then a new gasket and having the head skimmed will probably do.

If you need a new head then you should be able to pick up a bare head for a little less than £300.

 

[Pete]

Thanks toolbox,

Need to find a place to get the head skimmed near me. Not having had to do this before, do you know the sort of place I need to look up?

Pete

 

[Terranosaurus]

Don't just go straight ahead and get the head skimmed. It needs checking for true to see if it needs it but also pressure testing to confirm it isn't cracked. Obviously if you remove the head and its obvious where tha gasket has gone then the pressure test may be OTT, but for the sake of mind I think I'd do it. To build the engine back up and then find the heads crack for the sake of a £40 pressure test would be a rel pain.

 

[Toolbox]

Pete,

You need to be looking for engine reconditioning services

They will test and skim your head for you.

 

[Pete]

Just found Heathrow Head Services, Waiting for a price.

Thanks