406oc.co.uk

Hi, just purchased a rather nice 406 Rapier Estate off ebay, 2002, hdi90. 157k on the clock with MOT's to back up. Now, to cut a long story short, it has become apparent that I have purchased a car with a rather poorly engine :-( I noticed on the way back the engine didn't seem to warm up, gauges for oil and water remaining in the blue. They only ever rise in to the 70's when the engine is idle or traffic. Also, there is now back pressure in the expansion tank, and it is clear some sort of additive has been used to fill a leak somewere! SO there is pressure in the water system which remains when engine cooled down.
I have also noted the thermostat has been removed, which explains the lack of warm up. Obviously the previous owner new this and has bodged to get rid of the car, and being bowled over by its presentation did not check thoroughly enough...


So, what I need to know for now, is, how long can I continue to drive this vehicle in its present state? I want to remove the head (I have a friend mech. who can help me) and get it pressure tested and skimmed if necessary, but this might not be for a couple of weeks, as I really need the car for work! I would like to put a thermostat in however but could this accelerate the deterioration of the head if the engine gets to full working temperature quickly??

Both myself and partner have agreed this could be a nice car and if necesary, we might source a new engine, but that is being pessimistic for now and something to think about when we have no other choice!

Thanks for your help :-)

My hdi 90 has done 70000+ with a blown head gasket think its very minor takes 3 or 4 months before coolant needs topping up, header tank has gone very sludgy and orange

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The pressure in this is enough to throw the water out the expansion tank so will need refilling more often than that...

Suggest you look at how the car was described in the ebay listing. and raise a case on the ebay resolution centre.

from what you say, if the car was described in any other way than spares or repairs on the listing, then you likely have a case.

In my opinion, if a car has overheated and had headgasket failure, then had an additive put in , and it worked, then
its a grey area. Normally, it's buyer beware and up to a buyer to check the car over. If you've ever been to a car auction,
absolutely everybody checks the rad/coolant reservoir for the typical signs of an additive in the system, eg copper/bronze colour.
On eBay, however, auction winners often have never seen the car, and far more weight is on the auction description.
Increasingly, also, eBay is on the side of the buyer.

If an additive has been used, and there is system pressurisation.., then it hasn't worked. If car is not
declared as spares or repair, then it has been falsely described.

Either way, raise a case.

Even the ropiest old wreck on ebay ".. could be a nice car..". . Eventually.
Did you set out with the intention of head gasket replacement, head skimming, engine replacement... ?