Quote:
Originally Posted by Delibes
Put it on the lift today to start a parts order. Had a nasty surprise; besides the noisy differential and collapsed suspension, the car has a blown head gasket. Previous owner hid the problem too well on the pre-purchase inspection 
Car runs, shifts and drives pretty well; 10 minutes running and it starts overheating. Electromagnetic fan clutch works properly, as does the water pump and electric fan. I'm bummed, but we have a competent mechanic in house and the gasket kit is about $50.
Not too much of a headache, I hope. Otherwise, there's a 6.9 in the local auction and local buyers are petrified at the collapsed suspension  |
My experience with the M102 engine has taught me - head gasket failure more often than not due to dissimilar metal corrosion. The alloy head just doesn't like being on a ferrous block. Couple that with poor maintenance / incorrect coolant and hey presto you get trouble.
If you are unlucky things such as the pins for the timing chain guides will also be corroded in place.
I would expect the valve guides to be shot - just because it has been round the block! You are possibly looking at a head refurbishment if you want this car to be reliable.
If the engine has over heated then the head will need to be skimmed.
(More tips are available on request - I don't want to bring you down)