[jonnybobs]

Hi All,

Ok, I've bought a 1995 214Sli with dead head gasket. Meh, not the end of the world, was'nt bothered about that little issue. Had a few motors with the same fault. Once done, they are often better then before too!

But i've been reading horror stories about the blocks cracking... Does this happen on the 1.4 k-series? (16v)???

I've only brought home from purchase (4 miles) it DID use all water but diddnt get in to the red zone (was heading that way) and there was LOADS of steam from exhaust (to be expected I think)???

When home, I filled with water again (in prep for taking to garage monday eve) and I also noticed a water leak in two places. One at the front and the other at the back....

I THINK and HOPE that it was comming from the gasket.. But it was not easy to see, I did feel and it was get at the head/block join....

With HGF on these cars, thats the general state of play IE what symptoms do they show? Water leaks, burning water ect....???

Would the block have split?????

[E_T_V]

The block won't split, but the liners can move and also bite into the head. The heads warp too.

The liner height is critical when replacing the headgasket so check this out before putting anything together.

[jonnybobs]

Engine running fine (apart from water loss MAJOR loss) and missfire.

Would it be ok for a 2 mile journey if full to top with water AND a close eye on temp gauge?

[jonnybobs]

Took the car to the Mechaic, didnt give it a chance to even get warm! Well, it got to the Qtr mark on the heat gauge and by this time the car was missfireing like a good'en!

Oh well. lets hop for the best!