740 Head gasket

Mar 02, 2005 1 Replies

Apologise for one last question on this subject. The car is going in Monday to have the head gasket replaced. I have a problem with the cooling system reaching a high pressure so have slacked back the rec cap. I want to use the car for one last journey this Saturday but it involves about 200 miles driving round trip. If I do the trip with no cap on the res what will be the result / problem. I don't want to put the cap on slack in case it comes of but if that is the best option then that is what I will have to do. I don't have a problem in taking the car I just don't want the cooling system to get over pressured and blow the rad or a hose.


A few years ago, my head gasket failed, and it blew a heater hose, leaving me stranded, so you are wise to do this.

If it was me, I'd loosen the cap just enough to relieve the pressure, half a turn from tight, maybe. If you are worried that the cap may drop off, perhaps tape it on.

Try and keep the speed down to maybe 50-55 mph, and stop every hour to check the water level, as you are likely to lose some.

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