The V8 Owners Forum -

Whats the chances its the block and not the head gasket

Hope it isn't the block at fault,

Probably worth reading the following topic from the old forum, I learnt the hard way

http://www.v-8.org.uk/snitzforum/topic. ... IC_ID=4761

If it was me I would put a new set of gaskets on and see what happens. They aren't very expensive and saves a whole engine out and tear down. Assuming your 100% sure it isn't leaking from anywhere else and its still using water then you can start thinking about cracked blocks.

What made you think it was the head gaskets in the first place?

My car is using water. no signs of leaks. Coolant system seems to become over pressurised, even after running for couple of minutes.

Reading the link above your pressure in the cooling system seemed to vary, mine seems to be consistent so hopefully its the gaskets.

Got to think positive.

I'd go with Marki, and hopefully it is head gaskets

where do they actually fail then ? can i not get new liners fitted then?

its the alloy behind the liners that cracks, the coolant leaks up the side and because the liners are thin the head gasket doesn't seal on them meaning the coolant leaks into the combustion chamber or more likely the combustion gases leak into the block causing over pressurisation.

You can get new top hat liners fitted, they don't fix the problem but because they have a flange at the top it means the head gasket seals on them and stops the leak. Trouble is its around £800 to £1000 to get done plus pistons, rings and all the other bits that go with a rebuild.

if this is the case ill get a short motor.

v8 developments do a 4.6 for £1800