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MG MGB Technical - Water in Oil

Just finished a rebuild and engine started fine after 23 years in someone's garage ! Engine reuild was complete strip down and rebuild, but not re-bore as it wasn't necessary. Good test drive, but steam (water condensing on hand near exhaust) and oil has water in it. Also, bubbles in water header tank with cap off when revved up. So - I think head gasket?? I will do a compression test tonight - but any tips?? Are there duff gaskets about? Any other tests to confirm before I rip new shiny engine apart?? :( Thanks !
Andrew Walton

Most likely your own judgement is correct - but it will take an hour to get the head off and confirm it. The difficult part will be to put it right next time.

In your shoes, I might start by torquing down the head again- to see if there is a clue there.

Worst case is a warped head - that means skimming it and putting it back with the right gasket (Payen) - possibly quite a lot tighter (Peter Burgess' advice would be relevant).

Keep us briefed.

Roger

Replacing the head bolts might not be a bad idea
Bruce Mills

Update - more attention paid this time as very excited about first fire up last time !!!!!! Re-torqued head as per manual (1/4 turn loose then to 55lb). Compresion test, before and after re-torque shows cyl 1&4 at 165lb and 2&3 at 115lb.

Engine runs fine, no steam until thermostat opens then exhaust bellows like the QE2. So - why only when water flowing - is head cracked somewhere? Any ideas. Thanks, Andrew
Andrew Walton

HG has gone between 2-3
K Harris

and a crack test on the head should be cosidered
Ralph

This thread was discussed between 02/04/2009 and 03/04/2009

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