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[chereeoke]

Hello
I havent posted on here for some time since selling my last jeep, however for some reason I couldnt help aquiring yet another diesel xj!
This time a mk1 with possible head trouble, the header tank was low when purchased and since topping up its obvious there are bubbles forming in there, although not a huge amount.
the system doesnt appear to be over pressuring, no water coming up through the cap vent and it isnt overheating or smoking, fearing the worst im wanting to know if the heads can be pressure tested individually while in situ?
If so can anyone in north or east yorkshire be recommended??
thanks

[demonicwillow]

You would be best having the cooling system tested for exhaust gases, its the best way of seeing if a gasket has blown and the cheapest, check the exhaust for steamy vapour that may smell of anti freeze also check  the oil in the engine and see if its gone creamy just incase its blown to an oilway and not a cylinder, but if you have no symptoms then its probably crap in the system.... Hope this helps.

Dmw  

[The Smiths]

Mine seems to have air bubbles in the water bottle :-D

When I first picked mine up the water was low - water pump went about two weeks later - wondered where the drips were coming from

[Mike Pavelin]

Get the coolant tested for exhaust gases. If it fails the test there's probably one or more cracked heads.

[chereeoke]

thanks
I have ordered a coolant tester!
If it tests positive for gasses present would it be worth compression testing to find out which cylinder/gasket is leaking?

I have noticed there is less power than my previous jeep, its very docile below 2500 rmp, not sure if the later engines are more responsive due to the fly by wire setup?

[demonicwillow]

If it proves positive for exhaust gases then I would remove all the heads get them pressure tested and renew the head gasket/s anyway, piece of mind then!

Dmw

[Dave69]

if your pressureising the water system then when you remove the heads you should see some form of evidence of a failed head, you can get them pressure tested but most of the time it results in a replacement. Before you think about ebay or stealership talk to George at the VM specialist as he will always give good advice and his prices are very competative.

http://ccgi.vmspecialists.plus.com/rele ... 928a563743


VM Diesel Specialist
Unit 8
Clarence Industrial Estate
Eastside Road
Whittington Moor
Chesterfield
S41 9AT
Telephone : +44 (0)1246 455350

[Mike Pavelin]

Do this with the engine warm.
You can identify the guilty head by removing the top of the water rail that links the heads (along the driver side) and removing the serpentine belt (to kill the water pump). Run the engine (not for too long) and you'll see the bubbles appear at the outlet for the offending head(s)

[chereeoke]

I took the top off the water rail but there was ony water to the top of two of the waterways? the angle of the engine I assume, anyway I couldnt see any bubbles.
I have also since used a pressure tester on the header tank which tested negative for gasses so guess its ok? I expect to find out for sure once im driving it regularly.
thanks