Engine Stalling after 10secs ??

[IceFyre]

Update:

I am not sure whats going on here. See below for original symptoms. Turn over the car and everything starts fine. All dashboard lights appear as they should, fuel pump makes the noise it should. Then without fail 10-20secs after starting car just stops running. This is in park, no load, engine completely cold. Sometimes the M&S lights are flashing, but not always.

I really have to get down and borrow that Nanocom today. But in the mean time... any suggestions ?



Original Post:

It seems the head went last night on the way home from Gym. Total loss of power, temp gauge went up. Pulled over straight away, engine wasn't too hot to the touch as it was not a long trip, but damage has been done. Down 2 liters of coolant, water in the oil. Wont run for more than 10 secs under load. On a flatbed for the 1.2 Kms home. There were no other signs that it was ready to let go.

Mind you I am only assuming its the head , but I think its a good assumption.

Left a message with a mate who has offered to help me in the past. Lets see if that offer holds for a head job.

If it's not cracked and within machinable tolerances than I am still on for the Cape trip. Lots of work to do.

Any suggestions, besides reading Pete's excellent writeup :)

[Redback]

This ain't good BUT, if it's only the first time it has over heated in this way, the chances are that it will only be a blown head gasket and the head will be OK.

If you get stuck in, then hopefully you'll be ready for the Cape trip in plenty of time.

Good luck mate, it would be a shame if you missed the trip.

Baz.

[IceFyre]

It's never overheated since I have had it and there have never been any indications that it was on it's way out.

Just cleaning up the garage atm to get it in there and have a good look.

From my symptoms I assume it's a head gasket:

1. Total Loss of power - warning lights galore - M & S flashing - Wont hold load for more than 10 secs I would say.

2. Coolant was down 2 litres straight after it happened.

3. Seems to be fine water droplets in the oil. Will check more closely when I get it in the garage and out of the intermittent rain I have here.

Tasks at hand for me:

1. Garaged clean
2. Confirm its the head. Any positive way to check this at home ? Will Nanocom help at all here ? Can duck down and borrow one.
3. Get the head off :)

[Redback]

It's never overheated since I have had it and there have never been any indications that it was on it's way out.

Just cleaning up the garage atm to get it in there and have a good look.

From my symptoms I assume it's a head gasket:

1. Total Loss of power - warning lights galore - M & S flashing - Wont hold load for more than 10 secs I would say.

2. Coolant was down 2 litres straight after it happened.

3. Seems to be fine water droplets in the oil. Will check more closely when I get it in the garage and out of the intermittent rain I have here.

Tasks at hand for me:

1. Garaged clean
2. Confirm its the head. Any positive way to check this at home ? Will Nanocom help at all here ? Can duck down and borrow one.
3. Get the head off :)

Pressure test should confirm it if it's putting coolent into the sump, a gas test may do it too, one overheat shouldn't soften the head, it may need surfacing though.

Ours went over time, in hindsight we should of had it properly checked as pressure and a gas test showed nothing, ours finally went on a drive on a mates property (5min into the drive) but unlike you we drove home and that stuffed the head, you have done the right thing and had it flatbedded, that's why I think your head will be OK.

Sorry Nanocom won't help, check the oil level, if it's up then that's where the 2 litres of coolent went, if not then it's just blown off as steam somewhere.

Baz.

[IceFyre]

Might just continue in the one thread Here. (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/ccccc/80761-well-aint-good.html)