So it has no mot, and the engine needs a bit of tlc. Symptoms: runs v hot, with a lot of pressure in the cooling system (the coolant is leaking somwhere as well). It also needs a new starter. Im concentarting on these bits first, mot stuff can wait til its running.
Ive taken off the rad, old starter and started stripping the engine ready for a new head gasket and timing belt.
this is what came out of the radiator:
Why is it rusty?
Doesnt seem too oily- this is a good sign that the head gasket is ok right??
When i took off the rocker cover, the bolts were very loose (annoying because i went all the way to the shop to get a new torx bit
). Presumably this is because somone has thought about doing the head gasket before but then given up 
.Im having a problem getting the inlet manifold off, because i cant get to the bolt which is just behind the fuel pump. Any ideas?
Once i get the head off, if the head gasket looks ok do i need to replace it anyway? Is it adequate to check for warped head using a flat bar and feeler?
More photos will come as soon as somthing interesting comes up.
Cheers, matt
