Engine overheating problem

raybanky · 24th July 2016, 09:55

Hi Folks,

My 2003 Rover 75 has develop[ed an over heating problem and I have been told by an experienced Rover mechanic that the cylinder head gasket has blown.

The car/engine (1800 cc ) has only done 49000 road miles so how can I be certain that the mechanic is correct and are there any tests I can perform to make certain that the head gasket is the problem?

I have been advised that if the head gasket has blown I may be able to cure the problem by useing a product called 'STEEL SEAL'. Has anyone had any success in useing this product?

Any advice to assist me i solving this worrying problem will be very much appreciated.

Ray B.

smallheathlad · 24th July 2016, 10:38

Hi Ray

First do not use Steel Seal ..... It will cause you other problems and will NOT resolve the issue.
Second before jumping to HGF can you please state why you believe the head gasket has failed. There are other causes for an overheating engine ... however if the car has overheated over a period of time without action to identify and rectify the cause this will most likely eventually result in head gasket failure.

chipsceola · 24th July 2016, 11:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by raybanky

Hi Folks,

My 2003 Rover 75 has develop[ed an over heating problem and I have been told by an experienced Rover mechanic that the cylinder head gasket has blown.

The car/engine (1800 cc ) has only done 49000 road miles so how can I be certain that the mechanic is correct and are there any tests I can perform to make certain that the head gasket is the problem?

I have been advised that if the head gasket has blown I may be able to cure the problem by using a product called 'STEEL SEAL'. Has anyone had any success in using this product?

Any advice to assist me i solving this worrying problem will be very much appreciated.

Ray B.

The only certain advice you should take notice of will be replies on this forum in response to more detail being given on your problem ..... do keep in touch, answer the questions as best you can, and all will be revealed.

aguy · 24th July 2016, 13:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by raybanky

Hi Folks,

My 2003 Rover 75 has develop[ed an over heating problem and I have been told by an experienced Rover mechanic that the cylinder head gasket has blown.

The car/engine (1800 cc ) has only done 49000 road miles so how can I be certain that the mechanic is correct and are there any tests I can perform to make certain that the head gasket is the problem?

I have been advised that if the head gasket has blown I may be able to cure the problem by useing a product called 'STEEL SEAL'. Has anyone had any success in useing this product?

Any advice to assist me i solving this worrying problem will be very much appreciated.

Ray B.

Never heard of anyone doing a permanent fix using that kind of stuff but have heard of many running into even worse problems having used it.

raybanky · 24th July 2016, 14:12

Thank you Smallheathlad for your reply.

I had a mechanic check the car over after she over heated a couple of times and he concluded that as the coolant water was whelling up and out of the expansion tank on engine tick over, that the blown head gasket was most probably the problem.

I have been informed that this is a common fault with this particular engine, is this coeect?

Ray B.

suzublu · 24th July 2016, 14:37

Before you fit a new head gasket(if needed) you need to find out why your engine is overheating

You've got a gauge in front of you, did it move

If it did, chances are it's too late

Coolant loss from the inlet manifold gasket, or water pump are usual culprits in coolant leaks, find out & fix, check low speed fan operation, if this has failed, your car will overheat as it's got nothing to cool it down

Check this by selecting econ then pressing the demist button. Then, go to the front of the car & see if the fan is spinning. If not, you need to fix it

Those are the common faults for overheating, along with owner neglect by not checking levels

Plezier · 24th July 2016, 14:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by raybanky

Hi Folks,

My 2003 Rover 75 has develop[ed an over heating problem and I have been told by an experienced Rover mechanic that the cylinder head gasket has blown.

The car/engine (1800 cc ) has only done 49000 road miles so how can I be certain that the mechanic is correct and are there any tests I can perform to make certain that the head gasket is the problem?

I have been advised that if the head gasket has blown I may be able to cure the problem by useing a product called 'STEEL SEAL'. Has anyone had any success in useing this product?

Any advice to assist me i solving this worrying problem will be very much appreciated.

Ray B.

Ray the problem is most mechanics can only suggest HGF when you take a Rover to them no matter what the real issue is. For example I wanted a quote for rear sill repairs on an MGF which of course has the 1.8 K-series engine and as soon as I asked for a little help they so called mechanic said:-

Quote:

"It will be your head gasket mate" K-Series Rover always head gasket.

Odd I said I only came in to ask about sill repairs! So I just turned round and left. Went to ask for tyes quote and the idiot n the local tyre place said has your head gasket failed yet? WTF has tyes got to do with HGF I asked.. Oddly enough I take my custom elsewhere now.

So in answer to your question there are symptoms that say the head gasket has indeed failed such and steam pouring out and oil the colour of hot chocolate.

Notice the horrible colour of the coolant.

That gasket failed here.

SD1too · 24th July 2016, 19:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by raybanky

I had a mechanic check the car over after she over heated a couple of times ...

Hello Ray,

Just to confirm my colleagues' good advice; for overheating the first thing to check is the radiator fan as follows:

Start the engine from cold.
Press the windscreen demist button.
Get out of the car and walk to the radiator grille.
Can you hear the radiator fan running continuously (not cycling on and off)?

Please report back with the answer.

Quote:

...and he concluded that as the coolant water was whelling up and out of the expansion tank on engine tick over, that the blown head gasket was most probably the problem.

That's not a reliable diagnosis Ray. If he removed the expansion tank cap with the engine at running temperature then that's hardly surprising.

Many garage mechanics don't understand the K series cooling system, particularly the bleeding procedure and the PRT thermostat. Put your trust in the experts in this owners' club and you will receive first class advice.
Edit: As you live in Prestatyn Ray, go and see club trader Jules down the road in Colwyn Bay. His specialist experience is what you need.

Simon

Plezier · 24th July 2016, 20:24

Oh yes I forgot to add the Blue MGF's gasket failed because the previous owner I bought it off forgot to mention the water pump was weeping during my run around down south before coming hom the coolant dropped just enough to allow an air lock and a hot spot.................... voila failed gasket.

Mike Noc · 25th July 2016, 08:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by raybanky

I have been informed that this is a common fault with this particular engine, is this correct?

Ray B.

Yes it is. But, as mentioned, that doesn't automatically mean yours has gone. Accurate diagnosis is required.

If you unscrew the expansion tank cap after the engine has cooled overnight do you hear a hiss of pressure escaping?

.

24th July 2016, 09:55	#1
raybanky Newbie Rover 75 saloon Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Prestatyn Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Engine overheating problem Hi Folks, My 2003 Rover 75 has develop[ed an over heating problem and I have been told by an experienced Rover mechanic that the cylinder head gasket has blown. The car/engine (1800 cc ) has only done 49000 road miles so how can I be certain that the mechanic is correct and are there any tests I can perform to make certain that the head gasket is the problem? I have been advised that if the head gasket has blown I may be able to cure the problem by useing a product called 'STEEL SEAL'. Has anyone had any success in useing this product? Any advice to assist me i solving this worrying problem will be very much appreciated. Ray B.

24th July 2016, 14:12	#5
raybanky Newbie Rover 75 saloon Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Prestatyn Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Engine over heating problem Thank you Smallheathlad for your reply. I had a mechanic check the car over after she over heated a couple of times and he concluded that as the coolant water was whelling up and out of the expansion tank on engine tick over, that the blown head gasket was most probably the problem. I have been informed that this is a common fault with this particular engine, is this coeect? Ray B.

24th July 2016, 20:24	#9
Plezier I really should get out more....... Mercedes C Class CDI estate (2003) Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Gradina Posts: 2,652 Thanks: 62 Thanked 137 Times in 119 Posts	Oh yes I forgot to add the Blue MGF's gasket failed because the previous owner I bought it off forgot to mention the water pump was weeping during my run around down south before coming hom the coolant dropped just enough to allow an air lock and a hot spot.................... voila failed gasket. __________________ Classic SE CDT sadly lost in a severe collision.

24th July 2016, 10:38	#2
smallheathlad Loves to post No more aRover 75 Saloon Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Widnes Posts: 252 Thanks: 81 Thanked 39 Times in 35 Posts	Hi Ray First do not use Steel Seal ..... It will cause you other problems and will NOT resolve the issue. Second before jumping to HGF can you please state why you believe the head gasket has failed. There are other causes for an overheating engine ... however if the car has overheated over a period of time without action to identify and rectify the cause this will most likely eventually result in head gasket failure.

24th July 2016, 14:37	#6
suzublu This is my second home rover 75 1.8 vvc club se wedgwood blue Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Seaton Carew Posts: 26,921 Thanks: 65 Thanked 7,142 Times in 4,642 Posts	Before you fit a new head gasket(if needed) you need to find out why your engine is overheating You've got a gauge in front of you, did it move If it did, chances are it's too late Coolant loss from the inlet manifold gasket, or water pump are usual culprits in coolant leaks, find out & fix, check low speed fan operation, if this has failed, your car will overheat as it's got nothing to cool it down Check this by selecting econ then pressing the demist button. Then, go to the front of the car & see if the fan is spinning. If not, you need to fix it Those are the common faults for overheating, along with owner neglect by not checking levels