Author Topic: big engine problem :( (Read 2433 times)

EducatedFool · « **on:** April 24, 2007, 07:20:16 PM »

So..... i've had my car on the road for a little over a month, and have owned it about 2 (had a little oil pan mishap

). the previous owner informed me of a small coolant leak, saying it leaked onto the exhaust, and evaporated instantly. I had no reason to doubt him, so I left it unchecked for a while. Suddenly a couple of days ago, I decided to check it out.... opened the oil cap...... and found all the missing coolant. I believe this has been going on for a while, although it has yet to affect performance. How likely is it that anything (besides the head gasket) could be damaged? I can't find a replacement engine that I can afford anytime soon, and this is my daily driver. Pointers would be very helpful.

ak96ss · « **Reply #1 on:** April 24, 2007, 09:06:30 PM »

Wanna buy an engine?

You pay for the gas there and back, I'll bring it to you.

http://m42club.com/forums/showthread.php?p=24423#post24423

Febi Guibo · « **Reply #2 on:** April 25, 2007, 06:01:32 AM »

well, basically you gotta check the head out:

if you can get a machinists straightedge and a feeler gauge, make sure the head hasn't warped, or have any cracks for that matter, and if its ok, get new head bolts and a new gasket. Really, the big expense is replacing all the stuff you should probably replace when you've got the head off.

Worst case, a new head is small enough (we have teeny engines, after all) to be mail-ordered.

jetteman · « **Reply #3 on:** April 25, 2007, 06:31:42 PM »

once coolant mixes with oil the oil loses almost all of it viscosity. if there are no problems now i wouldn't be surprised if there are in the near future i.e. bearing failure. this is something you should think about, i would cut my loses and get a new (used) engine and keep that one for possible plans. you could just have the head checked and put a new gasket on there but if you can afford a new engine than that would be your best bet.