Smoke/steam from 2.25 petrol breather?

[Tikka7mm08]

Narrowing down a loss of power and restarting when under load/warming up (eg 4th gear). Fuel is good, new coil, plugs and dizzy. Enough steam from the engine breather to start filling the cab! Never used to steam and I'm now moving towards a head gasket. Going to compression test this week. It is 8:1.

Any one had a similar issue??

[JDNSW]

No, but I agree a compression test would seem to be needed!

John

[Tikka7mm08]

The results are in from 1-4: 130, 130, 105, 128. Thoughts? I will cross-post under Series III.

[JDNSW]

Possibly check tappet clearance first to rule out a valve leaking due to lack of clearance, but it sounds to me like head off - probably a blown headgasket, but could be broken rings or damaged piston on No3. If a blown gasket, the mating surfaces on the head/block should be checked.

There is a slight possibility of a cracked head or block, but this is pretty unlikely on this engine, even if it has been abused.

John

[Tikka7mm08]

Thanks John. Goingto check valve clearance this morning.

[Tikka7mm08]

bloody hard work by myself trying to use a crescent on the big nut that turns the motor while watching the valves. Half way through and looks like one open too far and another too tight. Waiting for my mrs to give me a hand. Will then take Rex for a spin.

[JDNSW]

Usual to use the crank handle to turn it. If you take the plugs out, you can turn it by the fan blades.

John

[Tikka7mm08]

Don't have one. And it slips with fan belt in some places.

[Chris72]

A leak down test will confirm if it's a head gasket or valves, get each piston upto TDC apply a small amount of compressed air via a leak down test.
this link is a DIY tester
DIY Leak Down Tester - YouTube

[Tikka7mm08]

I did compression test: 130 130 100 130 and going to replace head gasket.