Suspected head gasket???????

[billywizz29]

Hi all.
I have a 2000 1.8 Petrol. Over the past few days, I have notice that the coolant level has dropped considerably.
Topped the system up and have been keeping an eye on it.
Checked again yesterday and the header tank was empty, so usual checks on all the plumbing and the water pump. No obvious signs on any leaks.

Checked the oil, and there seems to be no sign of water in the oil or vice veras.
Driving home tonight, and noticed that there is white somek coming out of the exhaust.

Do you think this may be the head gasket on the way out? If so does anyone know a good garage that can carry out the work in Falkirk,Scotland????

[lawson]

Hi there i would say the head gasket has definatly gone but if you havnt over heated it it should only require a new gasket but if its been hot then who knows:(. I would also check the heater matrix isnt leaking, if you get your head in the passenger footwell and there is a big round piece of tubing remove this and there is a red cable see if there is coolant dripping off it these are bad for leaking as well. I done know of any garages in your area but make sure that whoever does it fits the modified head gasket and oil rail. Lawson

[billywizz29]

Just checked the passanger footwell and no leaks.
Car has never overheated, so may just be a case of changing the head gasket.
I have serviced a number of my cars over the years and done routine maintainace, but never attempted a head gasket.
Would this be somthing that I could do myself and what parts would be needed, i.e gasket set new bolts?
Or would it be reccomended to leave it to the professionals?

[lawson]

They arnt a bad job to do if you can do it but it probably wont be very easy if your doing it on the floor without a ramp. Land rover brought out the modified gasket and oil rail to try to fix the problem so you need to remove the sump to change the oil rail apart from that most is do able from the top. If you ring a dealer and ask for everything you will need to do a head gasket on a 1.8 they will be able to give you a price for everything needed. I would advise looking online for a workshop procedure for the job and then decide if you want to do it yourself or not. Keep in mind that once the head is off you will need a flat edge to check it is flat. Hope this helps.Lawson

[billywizz29]

Thanks for the advice.
Going to phone LR today and see what the damage is with them. As I am struggling to find someone to do it in Falkirk.
If all else fails I will do it myself?????????

[lawson]

Let us know how you get on.

[billywizz29]

Well, my nearest LR dealer wanter £800+.
I can get the parts for just under £100, this includes new type HG set with bolts, new thermostat, new cambelt ect.
I have a copy of the RAVE cd and the instruction look pretty straight forward..........

Will keep you posted