Damn. Head gasket gone

[SamWise]

My indy quoted me £7-800 to do it (not hoping to get the work - he told me it was time for a new car). I guess that my XM experience is over! Assuming it's going to be scrapped (unless someone here has a use), one of you may want the leather interior, which is in good nick.

[SamWise]

Actually, looking at the Haynes, maybe I should attempt it? Who's done the job on the 2.1TD? Is it suitable for an inexperienced mechanic?

[kenhall]

Over to you Peter!

Ken

[Dean]

Over to you Peter!

[robertmnorton]

Hi Samwise,most of us 2.1 owners have done one or two(or more).The job is really down to nuts&bolts.Yes,access to some of these will skin your hands and have you swearing,but is do-able insitu.The timing covers and crankbolt can be a pain.I found by disconnecting the lower engine mount and rotating the engine forward slightly,(i used 2 trolley jacks to support engine & g/box)you could install a 4"x4" wooden block between bulkhead and block to allow the head to be easily lifted and replaced, no need to seperate cam carrier.The most awkward bit is getting the inlet/ exhaust manifold bolts (nuts) off or on.Preparation is everything,tools,parts and a constant brew.Both mine i did over a 3 day stint,it is physically demanding due to the body contortions needed,so plan it and take your time,double,triple check everything and don't throw removed bolts into a single jar!It may sound daunting but it REALLY is just nuts&bolts.THERE WILL BE ADVICE A' PLENTY ON THIS SUBJECT,many of the guys here will recount their woes,all sound advice.
robertm

[SamWise]

I think I'll give it a go. Frankly, the other option is scrapping it, so it's worth chancing the £20 for a gasket (and I'd be an idjut not to do the cam belt at the same time) and giving it a go. Looks like my Sunday is all set! I had a BX snap a timing belt once, and managed to replace the head with one off a scrapper and even got it running, though it spat all the coolant out and I gave up in the end (had already bought a replacement). If I can do that, surely I can do this. There's been no overheating or anything like that, so I can't see any reason why the head would be warped.

[DerekW]

Hi Sam,

I don't know where Peter is, he must be asleep! Guaranteed he'll be along in a minute.

As Robert wrote, it's only nuts and bolts.

Please don't even think about scrapping your car.

Derek

[SamWise]

It's definitely do-able in situ is it? I don't have any chance of pulling the engine, let me tell you.

[robertmnorton]

Hi again Sam, yes, i did both mine in-situ.A 92 s1 SED, and a 95 s2 exclusive, both with A/C but you don't have any need to mess with this.
robertm

[demag]

Don't forget to change the water pump as well! Nothing worse than seeing that tell tale dribble when you've just got it all back together!