Need help diagnosing a problem!

[davidpidge]

Hi, is anyone local to Warminster who would be willing to hop in my Morris and come for a quick drive to diagnose a tapping/stuttering? I don't want to drive too far to a garage but thought someone local might have an idea!

Cheers
David
07805163126

[simmitc]

Do a compression test, it could be a head gasket. If yes, then do not drive.

[simmitc]

Now back on full size keyboard, so a slightly fuller reply. The sound that a blowing head gasket makes is not always easy to describe, but is quite unique, and once heard, always recognised. It could easily be described, certainly initially, as a tapping sound; but then so could things like tappets, crankshaft pulley disintegrating, fan catching, stone in tyre, UJ in propshaft, etc. The reason I replied briefly yesterday, is that if it is a head gasket, then, although easy to fix, if driven whilst failed, it can lead to major problems with the head and the block, so check the compression before anything else.

You will need to purchase/hire/borrow a compression tester. They are not expensive. Remove all spark plugs (make sure you label the leads to know which goes where), handbrake on, gear in neutral, fit the tester to cylinder number 1 (nearest the radiator). For this check we can go for a dry test and not worry about the throttle. Just turn the engine over on the key for a couple of seconds. Note that reading on the tester. Reset the gauge. Repeat for cylinders 2,3 and 4.
If all four readings roughly the same then good news. If 1 or 2 are significantly lower then the other 2 or 3 then you have a problem that needs fixing. Report the values here for further advice.

[simmitc]

Other things to aid diagnosis:
Is the noise present when stationery or only when in motion? Does the noise vary with car speed and.or engine revs? Does it get louder under load such as acceleration or climbing hills? With the bonnet open and engine running (keep clear of moving parts) can you hear from where the noise is coming? On a clear road, select neutral, switch off the ignition and see if the noise continues or stops. These can all help to pinpoint the issue. Of course, if someone can come to you, then great, but you might want to get an answer before anyone can attend.

[davidpidge]

Well, the head gasket has definitely blown.
I'm overheating, using water, oil/water gunk in my lovely new radiator! Mayonnaise in the rocker cover etc.

Hopefully it's just that and not also a big end/crank issue as well.

[Mercmancdi]

Sad sorry to hear that / mine cracked the pipe at water pump and boiled last time I was out but think I’m ok as it started fine and run ok after it. Although I should have run a compression test before I took the engine out for new clutch , will have to do compression test once engine back in , don’t mind pulling it out again it’s just the expense of these parts are getting very costly. I have spent a fortune in last 4 wks in new parts could do with a break on spending for a while now.