Parts needed, inlet manifold gaskets etc

[Lates]

Originally Posted by lovema75

Hmm, you must have the hands of a newborn child! I did my last one "keyhole" but with hands like shovels it was enough to make me want to throw bricks through next doors front window.

We generally only take off the front manifold for a stat change. Fiddly getting the bolts back in the underside but not impossible.
If its a later spec car, I even leave the plenum chamber on

[lovema75]

Originally Posted by Lates

We generally only take off the front manifold for a stat change. Fiddly getting the bolts back in the underside but not impossible.
If its a later spec car, I even leave the plenum chamber on

Just rub it in...

Would love to se how thats done!

[Dazwood]

Originally Posted by Lates

Which spec of engine do you have ?

My engine is a 2004, 2.5 V6 KV6, Coolant level goes down on a daily basses, not in oil & no leaks around engine, just a lot of steam in the morning.

[Dazwood]

Originally Posted by lovema75

Not terribly difficult job if your methodical.

What makes you think the gaskets have failed?

no leaks on engine and not in oil, a lot of steam on start up,and a antifreeze smell in steam, top up coolant every 2 days or so.

[Dazwood]

Originally Posted by DMGRS

I'm local, but sadly not a mechanic - although I do have most of the seals / O rings etc needed for any inlet-side coolant leaks.
Which engine do you have, and where's it leaking?

it is 2004, 2.5 v6, kv6

[kaiser]

I would replace the inlet manifold gaskets. It is not much extra work and they do go soft and leak. Often nipping them up might help, but new gaskets are never a waste of time there.

Other places where you can get water into the engine, would be the oil cooler, the liners, badly sealed water ways, a crack.

It can be difficult to see if water gets into the engine, and steam in the exhaust is often not a reliable indicator.

The water pump can leak and can be difficult to pick up, and the expansion cap can also leak, and that can be difficult to see as well.

Buy a new cap, unless you know it to be fairly new.

Also, fill only to the MAX mark. Otherwise it will spit the excess out, and you might think there is a problem where in fact there might no be.

Whatever you do, keep a close eye on water and oil.!

[Lates]

I wouldnt replace these gaskets without seeing evidence of staining or an actual drip. I think you will still have the same concern afterwards.
Is there any wetness in the vee ?

[Lates]

Originally Posted by lovema75

Just rub it in...

Would love to se how thats done!

Easier than it sounds Lovema

[lovema75]

Originally Posted by Dazwood

it is 2004, 2.5 v6, kv6

If you look closely at the picture I've posted, you can see on the front bank (L/H/S of pic),top left, where coolant has been leaking from the gasket into the "V", clearly showing failure.

Take the cover off the top (the bit that says "V6" on it) and shine a torch down into the V between the manifolds,and see if you can see traces of anti-freeze from the gaskets.

Of course it could also be failure of the o-rings on the thermostat pipework, or splitting of the thermostat housing itself - if you can see wet patches or pools of coolant then this is certainly the case, and much more likely I would have thought in fact. Leaking manifold gaskets to the extent that you see steam would cause rough running of the engine, as coolant was burnt in the cylinders.

Investigate thourghly before coming to conclusions.

Also pay heed to Kaisers comment about coolant levels - if you are filling it right to the top thinking this is correct, it will blow most of it out as the correct level is much lower down inside the expantion tank.

[lovema75]

Originally Posted by Lates

Easier than it sounds Lovema

I shall try and concieve that one in my (admittedly small) head.