urgent breakdown help...

[stephenpolhill]

Evening. Thought I'd go away to thetford for the weekend with my girlfriend in my moggy. I'm currently stuck at bp north of thetford with a wierd misfire and tapping noise. The rac are on their way but I wanna know what's wrong! She was driving ok before we stopped and drive ok with the foot off but doesn't run right...help!

[MarkyB]

Where is the tapping from?
It may just be a tappet adjuster has unscrewed and isn't opening the valve.

[stephenpolhill]

Rac said most likely blown head gasket. Runs ok when you lift the throttle off but under load is.horrible. ill use my recovery with FJ to take us home tomorrow.. :'(

[MarkyB]

Do you have a starting handle?
You should be able to detect lack of compression on one or more cylinders (ignition off) with it.

[simmitc]

The lengths some people will go to to spend the night in a car with the girlfriend. In the old days just running out of petrol was sufficient.

My first thought was head gasket. Hope all goes well.

[stephenpolhill]

Damn. Ya got me. How do I detect lack of compression without taking the plugs out, I haven't got any tools. We're going to get the breakdown with my insurance to take us home. Would they arrange recovery for tomorrow afternoon if I call now.?

[bmcecosse]

You just turn the engine over with the starting handle - feeling for even compressions. Mad to travel without tools and spares....... A head gasket is an essential.......

[mike.perry]

[ A head gasket is an essential.......[/quote]
Only if you know how to fit it.

[MarkyB]

I'm sure the RAC man would know how.

[bmcecosse]

Not sure if the RAC would know these days - it would mean getting hands dirty.....but all Minor owners know how to swap a head gasket - surely!