Gold V6 engine out - head gasket

[MTXM]

I have been in touch with a former XM owner in Australia who did his 1996 V6 12v head gaskets with the engine insitu, which seems quite a feat! There is a very good set of photos on a flicker site that I was encouraged to share, with a link as follows: http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigkelle ... 736/11736/ With regards, Matthew T.

[Dieselman]

I can never understand why people take the head off before draining the antifreeze. The slightest amount of glycol will cause havoc with bearing metal and even changing the oil isn't sufficient to flush it out of the sintered bearings.

[MTXM]

Here are some photos showing the engine after my further dismantling session at the garage last week. I hope the head gaskets will be fitted next week and after that I will arrange a further day visit to reassemble before bringing the engine back home. The garage has also very helpfully agreed to lend me their hoist for refitting that will save me the hire cost! With regards, Matthew T.

[robert_e_smart]

Are you doing the clutch as well Matthew?

[MTXM]

I had a replacement clutch fairly recently Robert as a result of what was thought to be a thought to be a faulty crankshaft seal, although it turned out to be some kind of blanking screw washer in a similar location! With regards, Matthew T.

[robert_e_smart]

Ahh good, you are well covered then. This will be a cracking car when finished. I hope we will see one of your champagne coloured beauties at the CXM rally next year Matthew.

[davetherave]

Excellent! thats not a bad turn around if the head gaskets are done next week.
Let me know if my tow bar can be of service again.
Dave

[MTXM]

Many thanks Dave and Robert. All being well I plan to take the gold car to both the CXM and ICCCR next year, hopefully in the latter case accompanied by the 24v, if my other half agrees!! It would be great to have your further assistance with the trailer Dave and the later part of the week after next might be a possibility for collection. There are the steering rack and driveshaft gaiters to fit and the necessary parts are in hand, plus I would also appreciate help with the rattle gun Dave!! All the best, Matthew T.

[MTXM]

I have just spoken to my garage, who have now dismantled and inspected the heads. Apparently just one of the cylinder liners (no.6?) is quite badly scored and it was suggested that I might need to consider a replacement liner, piston and rings, which could be rather expensive! I am not sure why the problem has occurred, particularly on only one cylinder, and if there is any connection with the gasket failure? It would be an option to reassemble as is, but I do not want to risk a further head gasket problem given all the work involved. I am going over to have a look later in the week, but in the meantime any comments would be most welcome. With regards, Matthew T.

[Dean]

strange, a scored bore will have no bearing on the head gasket and is usualy a sign of overheating or dirt getting into the cylinder????????? she didnt smoke on the overrun did it? or have overheating issues?

Paul has a spare engine does he not? migt be worth asking him if he would liberate a cylinder set if it is actualy needed, best of luck with it Matthew

D