Thread: Head gasket and coolant issues

Question 1 Is there a simple way of checking how much has already been shaved off a head ?

Measuring a head to determine if it has been machined is logical but I am not aware of the actual dimensions to compare against. Some may suggest the valve recess depth will be a good indicator however, if the head was machined and the valve seats redone also then the depth will not indicate a machine job....

Question 2 Are there better/thicker/tougher head gasket solutions than a three holer ?

3 hole is the thickest gasket and the thickness is specifically determined by the piston protrusion. Many simply refit a 3 hole gasket to return some valve clearance after a skim on the head. If yours has been worked on previously then this may be the case. Measure your piston protrusion and valve recess before you choose to change the gasket thickness or just stick with the 3 hole.
The factory gasket is very good, its the plastic dowels in the earlier TD5 which cause the problem.

Question 3 Any comment on the unequal hold back of coolant until header tank pressure build up is released.

This is a very common symptom of head gasket failure in a TD5

If the dowels have been changed to steel then you have a good indicator of the head previously being worked on.

Have you checked other possibilities for the loss mine was the radiator. there were fine leaks all over it. Replaced radiator and problem solved.

I have just been through the identical issues you have. To the extent that hoses started blowing from the pressure. As the head had been previously skimmed I replaced it with an AMC Turner head and kept with the 3 hole gasket previously fitted as a precaution. Now runs beautifully with all coolant issues rectified. I think a cheaper and better option than a reworked head particularly as yours is a 99.

Nick

I think i have a similar problem, the header tank is often empty
Is there a recomended stuff to put in the coolant system to seal any leaks?

yes there is, A new head gasket !!!

Seems like I have the same problem not a cheap fix about $2500 to do the job as quoted to me buy has to be done some time bummer this will make the misses happy.