help engine woes

rob b · Post by **rob b** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:26 pm

OK I know this is bad news already. I have a 3.9 Rover V8 hotwire setup in my Hilux 4wd and the engine was not turning over, the battery was tired so I replaced it and it still is the same, the starter motor was removed and tested and was found to be OK too. It is fine until it is left for a few days. i removed the spark plugs today and turned over the engine and water shot out of one of the cylinders, presumably the water was preventing the engine turning over, what I need to know is it just the head gaskets or will I be looking at a slipped liner? is there any way to tell or is it new engine time?

bodger · Post by **bodger** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:41 pm

it's certainly worth having a look at the head gasket , but a common fault with the 3.9's is cracked liners or block .... fingers crossed it's not

rob b · Post by **rob b** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:47 pm

bodger wrote:it's certainly worth having a look at the head gasket , but a common fault with the 3.9's is cracked liners or block .... fingers crossed it's not

Is there an easy way to tell if the gasket or block is the issue? I really hope it is the gasket, then again that will also be expensive too, i suppose both gaskets will have to be done, inlet manifold gaskets and would probably get camshaft and tappets replaced at the same time too along with timing chain etc etc.

Im not sure my pockets are going to be deep enough.

bodger · Post by **bodger** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 6:07 pm

sorry i'm not sure as i have a 3.5 and have had no problems yet
Ebay is the place for parts .. you can get a timing chain set for £20.00
head gaskets £12 the pair , bottom end set £12 and exhaust ( set) and valley gaskets are on there for £4.00 each
the bits are not expensive , and if your eally need to go the camshaft route too , island4x4 do a complete kit ( chain / gears / camshaft / etc / etc for about £100

mgbv8 · Post by **mgbv8** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 6:18 pm

Rob
If you are reasonably ok with spanners and sockets you can change the head gaskets quite cheaply.
I think I would be inclined to take the head off and inspect the gasket. If there are no obvious signs of gasket failure (it will be obvious) then it could be a liner.
Not really sure about cost for new liners, but I would opt for a second hand block to have tested and then build that up for a swap to save time if it was a liner failure. But then, I'm impatient.

rob b · Post by **rob b** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 6:20 pm

bodger wrote:sorry i'm not sure as i have a 3.5 and have had no problems yet
Ebay is the place for parts .. you can get a timing chain set for £20.00
head gaskets £12 the pair , bottom end set £12 and exhaust ( set) and valley gaskets are on there for £4.00 each
the bits are not expensive , and if your eally need to go the camshaft route too , island4x4 do a complete kit ( chain / gears / camshaft / etc / etc for about £100

I don't want to spend more money than needed but the engine has seemed a little down on power recently an a bit tappy too so if the whole lot is apart it may be an idea to get in all looked at, I was looking at ebay at a piper torque max cam kit that included cam, 16 genuine followers, timing chain kit, cam lube Composite valley gasket and end seals. Rocker cover gaskets.Front timing cover gasket and seal.
Oil pump gasket.Camshaft to gear bolt. does this sound a fair price? still need head gaskets and pushrods if doing the cam stuff