*Help* (Please!)

[dcod]

Timeout.

[Anonymous]

Timeout.

+ 1 million

lets just wait for matt's responce

[kidkarter]

Timeout.

+ 1 million

lets just wait for matt's responce

Yes, no news yet i take it Mel ?

[MattPerformance]

Re the stretch head bolts:  I have (up until now) only ever seen one HGF on an MR2 1zz and that was immediately after a rebuild by me re-using head bolts that had previously only been used at the factory for initial build (and therefore which should have been serviceable).  Consequently I will never re-use head bolts again.
As for this failure, the head gasket is leaking externally (there is a weep from the exhaust manifold side around No 1/2 cylinders.  How severe it is is not altogether clear but given the recent rebuild for HGF it clearly merits repair (theoretically by the original repairing garage).  Since the re-repair under warranty is not an option I have suggested using a K-Seal as a potential cure - it's not something I would normally recommend but given the nature of the HGF I believe it could make a lot of sense.  A sniff test will not reveal anything (I suspect) but a pressure test will as long as they have the right adaptor to pressurise the system properly.

[kidkarter]

Ok Matt thank you for that ! Very helpfull ! Ok Mel what would you like to do ?


Ps. Think i best just leave it there ! Haha

[kidkarter]

K-seal ? What is that ? Like a bars-leak or rad-weld ?

[K T M Rider]

Yes, but reckoned to be better I think.

 m http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/K-Seal-Perman ... 1323wt_700 m

[kidkarter]

Ah, ok

[MelBee42]

Hello all.
(No fighting, please!  s:) s:)  )
Here is my current plan of action. (It is only a partial plan)
- Buy handbrake cable from Matt tomorrow morning.
- Take the car for a pressure test tomorrow afternoon. It will only take a half hour and should confirm the leak.
- Attempt to persuade Rob to replace the handbrake cable for me (lol. Don't know if he has the time but worth a go!)
- Replace wipers (I think even I can do this)
- Take for MOT (probably get them to adjust the headlight as well)
- Stick in some K Seal
- Plan gets fuzzy after this. Still needs an oil change, brakes replacing, and not sure how much I should be driving it if the HG is still leaking as I don't want to make things worse. My journey to work is 46-56 miles (depending on what site I'm at). Possibly HG fixing party still required?!

[kidkarter]

ok I promise LOL

Ok but i would stick the k-seal in first and run it for maybe a day and then pressure test to see if it has worked ? I think we can reliably say it is leaking now,  can't we ?

[Anonymous]

K seal very good at sealing but can sometimes block things, so just try half a bottle at first. Anyway the head will be finished being skimmed on sat, so it be ready when or if you want the hg done.

[kidkarter]

oh one more thing mel ! last one i promise ! haha rear pads ? be prepared, the jammed cable may have worn them down ?
best of luck hon !! still got my fingers crossed for you !!!     s:D s:D

[nathanMR2]

Ive got some spare new pads you can have

[kidkarter]

there you are,  good man nathan !   s:D s:D

[MelBee42]

He is indeed a good man. I have a whole spare set of brake pads and discs though, front and rear (plus Matt said the rear were fine). Thank you though.  s:) s:)  I'm still pretty jittery about spending any more on this car, I don't want to go any more into my overdraft given that I only have a couple of paychecks left. Equally I shouldn't really drive the car unless it's to go for repairs (I think that's the legal stance?) so I although I can certainly add K Seal I don't think I can just drive it around to see if it's worked? (Also isn't it possibly a temporary fix?)
I guess getting the car to MOT standard is probably the first priority and then sort out the HG if needed? Nath... any good with handbrake cables???

[kidkarter]

ok fair enough with the money worries, but um sorry you've confused me a little with the next part ? legal stance ? are you thinking about takin it back to your local garage to let them re-do the hg ? as for the leak i can only offer advice on the info we have obviosly ! but matt who has seen your car says its a minor leek or weep, now obviously no one can say for sure how much worse it could get ? but if it is as smaller leak as it looked to matt it is possible that the k-seal (not the whole bottle remember !haha) could permanantly plug the hole ? as he suggested. now its not really the right way to do it but under the circumstances it's certainly the cheapest !! and worth a try ! and if you keep an watchfull eye on the temp for the time being you should be fine untill your sure it has worked ! by the sound of it you may even be able to see the leak for yourself and keep an eye on that too ? but ! it is of course your car and what you decide to do is entirely up to you !  s:) s:)

[spit]

KK, re: 'legal stance', I think we're talking about nothing more sinister than the limitations of driving a vehicle following a failed MOT?

Mel's thoughts on going forward appear bang on to me - get the car MOT-worthy and retested before opting into K Seal territory or cross-country jaunts and heavy spannering sessions.

[kidkarter]

ah of coarse ! that makes more sence ! haha

Edit: think i speak for everyone in saying we're still behind you what ever you want to do ?   s:D s:D

[loadswine]

I have thought, poor old Mel must be totally bewildered to have the sorts of dramas going on with her car, followed by masses of postings on this thread urging her to do this or that. Now,its brilliant that the offers of help have formed up and folks are ready to jump in and help, but she might just want to think about things for a little bit and see how she's going to tackle all the things that are going on for her.
Looks like she has a plan of action as Ste has mentioned and also Mel herself, which is ace. We also have a band of volunteers ready now too, so most bases are now covered, which is pretty cool.
Take your time to do what you want Mel and have a good weekend!  s:) s:)

[kidkarter]

Good and fair point Laodswine, hope it sunny up there !   s:D s:D    s:D s:D

[MelBee42]

Thanks all.  s:) s:)
Well, I picked up the handbrake cable and some K Seal from Matt this morning.
Yup, I was referring to the fact that it failed an MOT and therefore is not technically 'road worthy'. I just need to think how I can get the handbrake cable fitted cheaply now to get it through its MOT. Contacted another garage yesterday (also local) and they are 30% more expensive than the garage I used to use (the one I have fallen out with!). Rats.
Then I can look at trying out the K seal, getting other stuff done etc. (Maybe!)
KK - I can't see any leak, the car is not leaking when stationary (no coolant on the ground, coolant level not changed since it got back to mine on Monday).

[nathanMR2]

I sure Matt said the HG was only seaping so its unlikely your going to find coolant everywhere and even more unlikely you'll see it on the floor given the plastics underneith.

Ive never had to tackle a hand brake cable and i havent been able to find a How to...

Have you had chance to speak with Rob Mel given he's so close?

[kidkarter]

ok well Matt used the weep which generally means a very small leak, It'll more than likely be just a dribble or even the stain left by a dribble ? It'll be on the right hand side of the engine, running down it underneath the exhaust if that makes sense ? You might need a torch ? Mind you don't burn yourself if its been running ?  s:) s:)  or what nath said ? Haha

[kidkarter]

By the sound of it nath loosen the fuel tank and rest it on something and its relatively easy to get to ?

[Wabbitkilla]

By the sound of it nath loosen the fuel tank and rest it on something and its relatively easy to get to ?

"Relatively" is a loose term.
Remember the tank has been strapped in place for quite a few years and may need some persuasion   s:wink: :wink: s:wink:  
It warms me to see people crouding around ready to help another member in need, please remember it is Mels decision how this gets done and how comfortable she is with donations for anything. I, personally, would rather see money being spent on parts than on people travelling voluntarily to help as it seems ludicrous to pay for someone's jaunt across country which should be more about good will.

I'm pretty sure Rob & Nathan are capable of sorting out the cable, and I'm hoping the K-Seal is all that is needed for the weeping around the head.