Hello! I have a problem!

[Jezzer]

Hi sorry to start my membership on a downer but I could do with some advice from the experts. I have a 406 2l Hdi GLX, on a T plate (Aug '99
). The atached shows what i beleive to be a pin prick hole in the cylinder head, at around 11 o'clock from the centre of the pic you can just about make out the thin stream of coolant leaking. I think because of the cold weather and stupidly filling expansion tank with water in the summer are the cause . Anyhow I am surpirsed it has gone in this way, it appears to be from a circular recess in the head, I suppose the material is thinner here?

OK the question(s) - is this a DIY job? Do i need a new head (on the pug )? I have done the head on my Land Rover before, but am not sure with all the gadgetery of my 406.

Cheers

Jezzer

[teamster1975]

Ouch! Sorry I can't help you as I'm not an Hdi owner but someone will be along with advice.
Welcome Jezzer

[djp30djp]

OK, from the pic. I can't really see the leak but topping the header tank up once shouldn't have made much difference (or was it more than once). As far as doing the head gasket (if it is that), it's a different ball game to a Landy as it's overhead cam, so you'll need tools for re-timing as well as reverse torx for the head bolts.
I'd try to be certain it was the head before doing anything, so usual tests first i.e. is it losing water, pessure test the system, is it a rusted core plug etc. etc. Better pics showig the suspected leak might help?

[Jezzer]

Thanks for the warm wlecome and response! Well I am embarrased to admit I probably have put just water in on a couple of occassions. I'll have to make some space to get a decent pic, it'll probably be next weekend when i post a better pic. Definitely loosing water, might be able to get a friend of a friend who is an AA man to pressure test it. I'll let you know how I get on.

[Jezzer]

Chatting to the blokes at work they also mentioned rusted core plugs djp30djp. Supposing this is the only problem I have, do you think replacing one of these is a DIY job? Oh by the way what's a reverse torx?

[Jezzer]

going to try some liquid steel, if that doesn't work I'll have a go at relacing the plug

[djp30djp]

Don't use liquid steel it's fatal to modern cooling systems! I saw the results on a xsara diesel it blocked the radiator & the engine overheated, needed a new cylinder head.

[teamster1975]

You could try some K-Seal, people have had good results with it; have a search on it.

[djp30djp]

I take it you still don't know where the leak is actualy coming from? If it is a core plug it shouldn't be to bad to replace, but if you want to try a "chemical fix", try CE-LIT http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CE-LIT-RADIATOR-C ... 35003r1953 .
It's the only sealant I would ever use in a cooling system, I have used it many times over my many years with great success, (especially with heater matrix leaks). You probably won't find it in Halfords but most good motor factors or old style car accessory shops should have it.

[Jezzer]

The K-seal stuff appears to have a good reputation, but will look at replacing the core plug (a snip at 90p). The leak is definitely coming from from that area, once i can get a better look i'll know for certain.

[Jezzer]

sorry about the picture quality but hopefully you should make out the hole (not the one i made butchering the thing out). Can't think why it has gone in this way?

Not managed to put it all back together yet, daughters 4th Birthday interveened - anyone seen Bolt (the superdog)? I highly recommend it!

[Jezzer]

Well as you said a fairly straightforward job, only difficulty is getting the old plug out. Had been told to use a screwdriver to spin the plug, but it's quite small so not so easy to do. Mangaged it by removing some of the material, then knocking the edge and flipping the plug in the hole (if that makes sense).

I was told the plug is made of cheap material which is worn by antifreeze, looks like it found a defect. Don't worry it wont put me off putting the correct mix of antifeeze in!