Big problem. Car suddenly broken down.

[James k]

Hi.
I picked my car up from the garage this morning where they'd replaced a wheel cylinder. I was driving the short distance home when it suddenly started running really rough and then cut out. I restarted it and it was running really rough still. I opened the bonnet and smoke was coming out the carburettor. When revved, loads of white smoke came out. I've had to leave it there. Any ideas? This is a real problem as it's my only car and I need to drive it, plus I have no breakdown cover.

Thanks

[simmitc]

It depends on whether the smoke was smoke, or steam; and what sort of noise the engine was making. Possibilities that come to mind are head gasket, rings/piston, valve. Sorry, none are good news.

You really need a compression test on all cylinders. Apart from that, check the water in the radiator - has it gone down, is it oily? Check the oil on the dipstick - has it got moisture on it?

Although it's tempting to wonder what the garage did, there really is no connection between a wheel cylinder and the engine. Do not run the engine until you have identified the problem as you may cause more damage.

[James k]

Okay. I'll try a compression test. I need to get it home somehow though :/

[bmcecosse]

DO NOT run the engine! Almost certainly head gasket.... Does your classic insurance not include roadside and recovery ? All the reputable ones do..........

[James k]

Can it just blow so suddenly like that? There was no warning. No I'm with footman James and it's an mptgmmaa extra.

[Declan_Burns]

Can it just blow so suddenly like that? There was no warning. No I'm with footman James and it's an mptgmmaa extra.

Yes-I'm afraid so.
Regards
Declan

[bmcecosse]

Change your insurance co....the reputable ones INCLUDE roadside and recovery - mainly to protect the car from damage/theft if abandoned at the side of the road. Alternatively Green Flag is not expensive (although I don't know if they do older cars). I can't remember - have you already changed the gasket on this engine ? If you run the engine now you are likely to destroy the block - unless you take the plug leads off the two bad cylinders (likely to be 1 &2 or 3 & 4 ) probably best to take the plugs out too, and attempt to drive it home very gently on the remaining 2 good cylinders. I doubt it would manage any hills - but if the way is reasonably flat.....

[James k]

I have changed the gasket before, in November. There are several hills on the way, in fact it's parked on a hill. It really broke down in the worst place.

[bmcecosse]

You can only try... Wait till the traffic dies down. Or arrange a tow. Anyone nearby who can help out here ???? Where exactly are you James??

[James k]

I doubt it would make it on two cylinders. They're steep hills that it just about manages on four! I've just been back to check it. I cranked it round by hand and the compression is virtually non existent on two cylinders. Plus there's water in the oil. Looks like it's the head gasket :/ I wonder why it went after only 1700 miles.

I'm in St Leonard's near the green. I've got a couple of people getting back to me so hopefully I can sort something out. If only it had broken down at the top of the hill I could have pushed it home.

[amgrave]

Did you remember to torque the head again after a heat and cool cycle. If not it could be why the gasket has failed but remember replacement parts are not so good as they were so that could be the reason

[aupickup]

i have break down with footman james

[Trickydicky]

Is there no one on here local to James to help him out and have a look at his car?

[aupickup]

i am in sedlescombe not far from you james
but still at work

[bmcecosse]

I'm sure a tow home would be very much appreciated. When you lift the head - you need to use a straight edge to check both head and block for warping or erosion. Use a COPPER gasket (998 Mini is ideal from local autoparts place - get a spare too) ) smear both sides with a wipe of grease. Make sure all surfaces are clean, check the studs are all tight in the block. Torque the head to 44 ftlbf in the correct sequence. Set the valve gaps -warm it up gently for a good half hour then let it cool (but not necessarily to 'cold') - retorque and reset the gaps. Fingers crossed.......

[James k]

I used a copper gasket last time but didn't smear it with any grease, I also used it black side up which I'm not sure is right. I'm hoping I can, once I've got the car home, change the head gasket more quickly than last time. Last time I spent most of my time scraping old gasket off the head and block. I really hope it just needs a new gasket though, this car is costing me a fortune

[Rasputin]

Copper side up.

[bmcecosse]

A proper copper gasket is copper both sides....... the 'cardboard' gaskets are hopeless.....

[James k]

This one was copper. It was coated in black on one side though, I'm not sure what it is.

[les]

Don't worry about taking time to do the job, more chance of doing it right, you'll hear stories of record breaking times to do these jobs, ignore them, they don't take account of the niceties needed in repair work. Regarding costing you a fortune, unless an old car is completely rebuild in one go, that's often the way it goes. You will not be alone!