undercar rumble

[rubie]

Hi everyone. Rubie is a red 1963 moggie with a 1275 marina lump and marina front discs. She's developed a front end rumble on acceleration in the last couple of weeks and after 55mph. Its getting worse. On inspection i noticed the head gasket is leaking. could that do it? My workshop manual troubleshooter suggests wear between main bearing shells and crankshaft. didn't want to do the head gasket and then have to take it all apart again. any thoughts? Thanks.

[bmcecosse]

Oil pressure light coming on? A gauge is essential... You're heading is 'undercar rumble' - and then you say front end.... Is the propshaft loose ?

[rubie]

Thanks Bmcecosse. I'm sorry, I know this sounds like amateur hour. When the rumble first started it sounded like it was in the boot. Taking her out tonight it sounds more around the gearbox area. I didn't think I was going to make it back from work yesterday. She lost power at times and appeared to miss. Tonight she was ok.The propshaft feels ok.

[bmcecosse]

Check it's not loose wheel nuts.............

[MarkyB]

Sort the head gasket out ASAP, probably the cause and doing the engine no favours if it's leaking.

[bmcecosse]

If it's only a tiny trickle at the edge....don't worry. Is the water level going down? Bubbles in the water? Compression check will tell all.