Thread: Changing the "P" Gasket and taking the head off

Re the P gasket, it's the front housing that warps and won't let the metal gasket seal.

Originally Posted by SavingTheDefender

Yes, I did. But proceed with caution as I still appear to have a minor coolant leak which means I am about to declare thermo-nuclear war on the 300tdi!

Before I cry and pull it all apart a third time, does anyone have any other tips? Arrrrgh!

Best suggestion



Smart comments aside, as Rick mentioned above

The aluminium surface need to be absolutely smicko, I chased dads P-gasket for a while. On the last attempt I touched up the surface with a single cut flat file, it had just started to corrode around the edges which seem to be enough for the gasket to continually fail. Last I checked it wasn't leaking anymore

Perhaps

Originally Posted by Jock The Rock

Best suggestion



Smart comments aside, as Rick mentioned above

The aluminium surface need to be absolutely smicko, I chased dads P-gasket for a while. On the last attempt I touched up the surface with a single cut flat file, it had just started to corrode around the edges which seem to be enough for the gasket to continually fail. Last I checked it wasn't leaking anymore

Perhaps

So I was saving my pennies to pick up an engine and gearbox via Greys Online. But the head gasket decided it couldn't wait. I was also looking at a 6BD1T (the 6 cylinder version of what you're teasing me with) but I'm now thinking a twin turbo 4BT might be sweet. Weight is about the same as a 350 Chev but the torque would be ballistic!

She Who Must Be Obeyed has her nose well and truely out of joint at the moment with the truck so softly, softly for a while.

So it looks like my ongoing leak is due to a porous casting. Coolant is weeping not from the gasket area but about 2mm in - through the aluminium itself. Must be a hairline crack. Bugger!

Any tips on where I can get a cheap ERR3736?

Bugger, just have to do a ring around.

Maybe All4x4 at Kotara or Land Vehicle Spares at Silverdale for second hand, Karcraft or BMI for new.

It was one of John Davis's mechanics that tipped me off to the housings warping, they see it all the time.

A good trick is, if you have a steady hand and a very small ally burr that fits a dremel, very carefully grind a tiny groove in the mating surface all the way around, not on the head though. This gives a place for a bit of sealant to sit in, rather than all squishing out, helping prevent leaks.

mick.