Ok first post and I'm asking for help So seems to be 2 problems Recently when starting the engine from cold there is a really bad knocking sound and the car seems to be very lumpy, when reving the engine etc the car almost stalls. But once heated up the car runs as normal. The second thing, and it may be unrelated, is the car seems to be loosing coolant and as far as I can see there is no leaks. Anyone know what any of these things could be?? Thanks Craig
Pull your spark plugs out to see if any are wet when cold? Had this on a seat years ago when the head gasket failed. Hopefully it wont be.
SO checked the plugs,s seems to be running lean, and also started to overheat the other day. It had used all of the coolant in the system. So friend removed the thermostat as he said the top radiatior hose wasn't warm. So far coolant isnt going anywhere. But cant see how this would be making a difference??
I've checked the plugs and no water. But it is actually still loosing water. And the sound is getting worse. Feels like a sensor sometimes.
I'd be making sure the water isn't going straight into the sump, if it's not coming out that's the only other place it can be going.
That can't be used as an indication for head gasket because a lot of cars get condensation build up on the cap which mixes with the oil and turns like mayonnaise. If the mayonnaise is everywhere inside then yes.
Well if it's loosing water and the is mayo on the underside of the cap and no real signs of a water leak externally then it can't be going many other places! I know it's not 100 percent but it's a start.
So your a trained mechanic then, cause when I did my training that was a big indicator to being head gasket problems.
There is a small amount on the oil cap but not loads. I'm getting a pressure/compression test done in the next day or so. So that will help hopefully. Is the HG a nightmare of a job to do on the 225??
You can buy a kit that checks for combustion traces in the coolant - sometimes referred to as a sniffer test cant drop a link in here on iPad but search on:- FX-53 HEAD GASKET & BLOCK COMBUSTION LEAK TESTER KIT PETROL / DIESEL + 100mL TEST FLUID Sounds odd to be losing that much coolant
I am actually, and an mot tester. Mayo on the cap only indicates condensation. If it's everywhere inside the cam cover then yes. Not just on the cap.
I understand what you mean about condensation, but the op has stated water loss with no leaks and rough idle, so headgasket would be my quess ,without a sniff test.