Head Gasket on last legs...

1. Mazinsky Newbie Joined: Feb 2016 Posts: 8

   #1 23rd February 2017, 08:11

   Hello
   
   I have the Saxo 1.4i SX Auto (1999) with just under 75000 on the clock (was my mums 'popping down to town' car, so well cared for).
   
   Garage have warned me that the head gasket's days were numbered...It had a new radiator last visit.
   
   The cap by the radiator is gungy inside, Radweld maybe? Not sure if this is a good or bad thing to do but I occasionally rinse it out with warm water to flush the chunks of gunge out???!!! I also keep an eye on the oil level.
   
   Recently when I start the engine it sputters a little bit, but always smooths out after a couple of revs and drives fine.
   
   Just wondered if there were any tips for prolonging it's life?
   
   Many thanks in advance.
   
   M
2. user_98505 Regular Poster Joined: Sep 2015 Posts: 269 106 Rallye

   #2 23rd February 2017, 09:12

   Gungy radiator is the oil /fuel mixing with the water. Mine is full of gunk which smells like burnt oil and fuel, I reckon it's the blow-by because my piston rings have seen better days.
3. noirsette L-plater Joined: Oct 2016 Gravesend, Kent Posts: 47 '02 Citroen Saxo VTR Camaro, Trooper, Tahoe

   #3 23rd February 2017, 09:57

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by Mazinsky Just wondered if there were any tips for prolonging it's life?

   Change the head gasket.
4. Mazinsky Newbie Joined: Feb 2016 Posts: 8

   #4 24th February 2017, 10:21

   Changing the head gasket has been quoted at about £500, not sure I want to invest that on a 16 year old car where something else 'big' might go as well...
5. welshpug Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jul 2010 South Wales Posts: 3078 ZX 16v, 205 GTI, 309 Goodwood, 405 MI16.

   #5 24th February 2017, 12:04

   1.4 8v is the easiest HG ever to do, you could probably do it in 2 hours.
   
   
   £15 gasket, might as well put a water pump and timing belt kit on it too, adjust the valve clearances, and it'll keep going till the auto box shits itself.
6. user_98505 Regular Poster Joined: Sep 2015 Posts: 269 106 Rallye

   #6 24th February 2017, 12:46

   ^^This.
   
   Theres a guide on here from what I remember with the torque settings etc.
7. user_61020 Established Member Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 2009 Saxò VTS 16v

   #7 24th February 2017, 18:05

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by Mazinsky Changing the head gasket has been quoted at about £500, not sure I want to invest that on a 16 year old car where something else 'big' might go as well...

   LOL,nothing else to add.