Cracked head? (photo)

1. user_53433 Infrequent Poster Joined: Jun 2011 Gloucester Posts: 119 1.6 VTS MK1 1997 L3

   #1 17th July 2011, 20:43

   So after all the ongoing problems with my car, i thought i would try and sort out what was seeming to be a rocker cover leak.
   I still think it was but after finishing this weekend and checking it over, i found this on the right side of the front head.
   It's right next to a main oil channel if i remember the layout under the rocker cover. The car haden't even been started.
   
   Looks like it's right on the cast seam. You reckon this is fubar?
   
   
2. Aaron Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Jan 2008 ..... Posts: 5231 ..............

   #2 17th July 2011, 20:45

   its a cam ladder
   not a head
   
   i have two spare front and back, no leaks
   
   clean the oil off
   and start it up
   see if it leaks??
3. user_36198 Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Aug 2009 ilkeston derbyshire Posts: 9823 C2 VTR stripped, 406hdi, clio 172

   #3 17th July 2011, 20:48

   that looks more like a cam ladder rather then the head itself
4. user_53433 Infrequent Poster Joined: Jun 2011 Gloucester Posts: 119 1.6 VTS MK1 1997 L3

   #4 17th July 2011, 20:49

   OK thanks for the correction, I'm still learning about this car.
   This photo was actually taken after i cleaned it off and took it for a short drive, say about 2 miles.
   But it looked like this when the car hadn't been started after i repaired the covers and left it over night.
5. user_53433 Infrequent Poster Joined: Jun 2011 Gloucester Posts: 119 1.6 VTS MK1 1997 L3

   #5 17th July 2011, 21:10

   So i take it this is knackered then. I get the feeling this will be expensive.
6. user_36198 Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Aug 2009 ilkeston derbyshire Posts: 9823 C2 VTR stripped, 406hdi, clio 172

   #6 17th July 2011, 21:13

   not going to be expensive at all, 1 replacement cam ladder, a tube of Wellseal and away you go.
7. user_53433 Infrequent Poster Joined: Jun 2011 Gloucester Posts: 119 1.6 VTS MK1 1997 L3

   #7 17th July 2011, 21:19

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by mandyslover70 not going to be expensive at all, 1 replacement cam ladder, a tube of Wellseal and away you go.

   You make it sound easy. I've never done one before :/ I would probably change both and maybe go for new cams and belt at the same time. Plus there's all busines with getting the timing right after you change it.
   
   To me, this is frightening.
8. user_36198 Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Aug 2009 ilkeston derbyshire Posts: 9823 C2 VTR stripped, 406hdi, clio 172

   #8 17th July 2011, 21:24

   nows the time to do the belt and fit cams if you're planning on them in the future! The timings not really anything to be scared of, just follow the manual or guide to the letter and buy yourself a set of timing pins and you can't go far wrong. PM me if you get stuck, can't guarantee an instant answer as we get busy at work but will try and help.
9. Aaron Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Jan 2008 ..... Posts: 5231 ..............

   #9 17th July 2011, 21:30

   quite a easy job dude.
   You will only need to replace front one. and get some new sealant, loctite blue i use.
   
   Remove cam cover
   remove cambelt cover.
   remove cam ladder
   loosen belt(tensioner)
   take cam ladder off
   clean head(get rid of all old shitty sealant & cam ladder)
   put a bead of sealant around the line in the head, a nice amount just incase
   stick cam ladder back on. tighten down in order.
   belt back on.
   
   then re-time by locking flywheel and turning cam foward to match up with cam ladder.
   sorted
   
   whilst your there, you might aswell change the cambelt.
10. user_53433 Infrequent Poster Joined: Jun 2011 Gloucester Posts: 119 1.6 VTS MK1 1997 L3

    #10 17th July 2011, 21:40

    I'd love to give this a go myself. Never done a DOHC before. But it's scarey. I need the car for work, about 20 mile trip. I would be screwed if i messed it up.
    I have the MOT next week, which is why i've been changing all the sensors because it has a habit of failing on emisions. I get the feeling i may be looking at a new CAT and maybe brake discs and pads too. Not to mention a little welding work.
    
    I'd like to give it some aftermarket mods, it's served me well.
    I think i'm getting the bug. It's such a fun car to drive.
    
    We'll see where the MOT takes me on the money side.
11. user_36198 Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Aug 2009 ilkeston derbyshire Posts: 9823 C2 VTR stripped, 406hdi, clio 172

    #11 17th July 2011, 21:42

    if its just a small crack or a thread thats leaking, chemical metal works well but make sure the casting is spotless, some may see it as a bodge but its kept the water in my mates digger engine for the past 2 winters lol
12. user_53433 Infrequent Poster Joined: Jun 2011 Gloucester Posts: 119 1.6 VTS MK1 1997 L3

    #12 17th July 2011, 22:02

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by mandyslover70 if its just a small crack or a thread thats leaking, chemical metal works well but make sure the casting is spotless, some may see it as a bodge but its kept the water in my mates digger engine for the past 2 winters lol

    I think it must be a crack on the corner underneith.
    
    I've circled it on the photo, it's right by an oil channel. looks like it could be on the cast seam.
    Doesn't look like the rocker cover bolt would interfere with it in any way.
    
    
13. user_53433 Infrequent Poster Joined: Jun 2011 Gloucester Posts: 119 1.6 VTS MK1 1997 L3

    #13 23rd July 2011, 14:48

    So, i've had a bit of a google search and can't find any cam ladders for sale.
    
    Is there any other name they go by? I'd rather buy new ones if i can. Any one have a rough idea on price?
    
    I think I live in an area where no one messes with Citroen. I can't find anyone who deals with them in my area apart from a main dealer. And I sure as hell won't be going there first.
    
    Car failed MOT by the way, which I was expecting. Nothing too serious hopefully. Emmisions again (possibly lambda), some welding and front brake pads.