Monthly engine turn over and warm yesterday - usual routine while the car isn't running to get the oil circulating etc. All looked ok, heated up mighty quick though and the fan was staying on - struggling to keep the temp under control - all at tick-over.
Thought I'd give it another go this afternoon - checked the coolant level and it took a litre or so top up hmmm...
Thought I'd give it another go this afternoon - checked the coolant level and it took a litre or so top up hmmm...
Checked the coolant for CO2 and bingo - blue to green...
...combustion gases in the coolant.
Plugs all look clean:
Dipstick looks good - golden oil, filler cap maybe a sign of milkiness - but could be condensation:
Compression test looks nominal getting on for 175 PSI - no particular low cylinder, I don't have the equipment to do a leak down test.
Quick chat on the Facebook enthusiasts group to get another pair of eyes/sets of brains/experience... advice is to check if the coolant system will still hold pressure if not and especially if it leaks into the cylinders then QED.
Theory - The temp sensor failure causing overheat in UK traffic on the way back from Norway pushed the head gasket over the edge. The car made it home - partly due to less traffic and a freezing night. I'm going with the temp sensor root cause, which is now corrected, unless I find any other evidence.
Broken out the Haynes manual for some reading...
Something new to learn, parts to find and order.
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