Is there any definitive way to check for the dreaded liner/block problems. I have found one in mint condition for a good price. I want to have a look but need to be forarmed for this problem. Any sites etc, or any of you chaps know the correct way to check it over.
Ta
Nige
If the header tank is pressurised (hisses when undoing the lid) when cold, you may well have a problem. Pressurisation of the system (due to gas leak past liner into water jacket) can also blow coolant past the heater o-rings- look for damp/stained footwell carpet. Sometimes leaves a crystalline-ish whitish deposit*. The o-rings are an expensive/dificult job to replace a 20c. part- but IMHO they fail for a reason. If your prospective car has 'just had the heater o'rings done', I'd be looking very carefully. Same goes for head gasket replacement- sometimes done to fix the D.L/B problem if the cause isn't understood. Can mask the problem for a while.
Just my own experience here. More knowledgeable types will doubtless shed more light shortly.
*Of course, if it's Keith Richards' car, there might be other reasons for this...So /\/ / & E was, like
Is it a private sale? If so, ask casually if it uses any water. If the seller says yes, or won't answer, walk away. I don't think there is one definite yes/no test for this, but losing water or pressurising the coolant (see Natalie's reply) are definitely Bad Signs. There are plenty about that don't, so take your time and get a good 'un.
Not really. You could test the cooling system using an additive that changes colour in the presence of combustion gasses, or some sort of combustion gas detector (they do exist, but I can't remember the correct names off the top of my head) If combustion gasses are present in the cooling system after a decent run, then run away!
From my own experiences, I've replaced these seals on 3 P38's in recent years and seen a good few more go through my mate's garage with the same problems, but I've only ever seen one of all these motors blow a head gasket, and none that have any issues with losing water. Replaced head gaskets on a few other P38's though, with no other leaking issues apparent. FWIW, I've never had a repeat performance of head gasket failure on a 4.6 when I've replaced the head bolts with a stud kit! Call me old fashioned, but I just don't trust the stretch-bolts as fitted to 4.0/4.6 engines.
Badger. B.H.Engineering, Rover V8 engine specialists.
My 4.6 HSE was loosing coolant, the garage suspected cracked block, but a gas test showed nothing, pressure tested the system, again fine. No external leaks were evident, yet the oil filler cap had a good dose of creamy gunge on it. The garage didn't suspect the head gaskets, but the valley (inlet manifold) gasket was showing signs of leakage, so this was changed. Hopefully, this was the culprit.
Alan C.
Never realized the 4.6 had a problem. I thought it was only the 4.0. I remember reading that recall was done on pre 99 models and 99 and post did not suffer from this problem. Check this site:
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