BOA headgasket, how easy?

[Gavin]

my donor granny had a strange overheating problem - would be fine of left ticking over or driven sensibly, but if it got hot stuck in traffic it wouldnt cool down, even once the traffic had cleared, it would just get hotter and hotter and boil over. i suspect the headgasket is gone but is only letting go when it gets hot, and once its started it dosent stop, so im thinking of changing it before i drop the lump in the van

is it something that can be done with basic tools in the garage or should i take it to a mechanic? are there any special tools or procedures?

also what other bits do i need apart from the gaskets? new head bolts?


ta...

[cyrus883]

go on youtube mate put in cosworth v6 service loads of info on there hope it helps steve

[TIMO]

with the fear of sounding stupid,, does all of the cooling system work properly..fans , thermo ,no air locks ..etc etc,, i tried doing the headgasket on a peugeuot 1.9 deisel once..had the head skimmed, bought all new bolts the lot,new gasket,,torque wrench ,, i spent about £200 quid,,,never again bro,, i had a real bad time with that one,,my advice,,if your not sure , let a pro do it

[trigger]

I'll second that

[Gavin]

had a chat with a trusted mechanic (was my dads apprentice many years ago when he was in the trade ) today about the overheating problems, and my fears about the headgasket(s)

he's told me, given the way it used to overheat, that its very unlikely to be the gasket and more likely to be problems with the viscous fan, thermostat or waterpump, so im going to trust in that.

if its still a problem when its in the van i'll get it looked at then

[ginsambo]

Could save up and do the timing chain and tensioner at the same time - as it will have to be dismantled anyhow to do the head? Whats your mileage? I think some of the Essex boys are selling replica timing chain tensioners now.....also a timing chain if any left and a full gasket set. If you have the money of course as it all adds up...to lots unfortunately! But then if you did the work and put another 100,000 mileage potential on the engine you'd have thought that you would at at least get 3/4 of the money back selling the engine with proof of work and receipts/photos. Cheaper to get another engine I would say, can of very expensive worms. Also I know the loom is a nightmare but more cheaper parts around for BOB I think - look on Fleabay RH / LH tensioners...£20 ea.....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Cosworth-Granada- ... arParts_SM

They used to do a handful of original timing chains too and think they had made up a load of tensioners and friction pads.

or try Burton Power. I wouldn't have thought BOA head gaskets are a motor factors stock item.

On a positive note although expensive, its probably still cheaper than Ford's parts back in the day when they were available!

Found these: https://www.burtonpower.com/product_mai ... =24v%20boa