Is it my head gasket?!

[bluemoggie1970]

Hi I would appreciate your help and advice. Had the AA out today.....
Was on my way back from Southend-on-sea when approaching a round-a-bout. As i reached about 30mph I put the car into 3rd gear and took my foot off the clutch to allow for a little engine breaking to slow down. However after then when I started to try to pull away, the engine was really rattling and I had lost a LOT of power. Managed to just get back to a friends house where I called out the AA. He said that I was running on only 2 cylinders and that I needed a new head gasket. Just checking this sounds right to everyone?

If it is, where is a good place to by one? Is it just the gasket I need or other parts too? Like a gasket kit? How much would fitting cost roughly? I do servicing on cars etc, but never anything like this. Should I tackle it myself?

Thanks

Luke

[bmcecosse]

Simple test - turn the engine over with the starting handle (Ign OFF) and feel the compressions. Obviously should be 4 even pulls - if two feel very easy then you have your answer. It is indeed llikely to be gasket blown between two cylinders.... A new gasket is only a very few £ at your local Autoparts place - just ask for one for a Mini 998 engine. And yes -it's an easy swap - don't worry about it. Do you have a Manual?

[bluemoggie1970]

Hi there, thanks for help. Im afraid I dont have a manual though. Where can I get one?

Luke

[bmcecosse]

PM sent.....

[hanvyj]

It might be worth checking there is a spark at every lead. When I started running on one cylinder it was an ignition problem. That said, performing the above would rule that out! Just saying that it may not be the headgasket before you go buy one...