Bongo Fury

to the point,usually starts first time in the mornings,a pig to start when its hot and lumpy as if its missing, but goes after about 10-20secs, once going don't miss a beat, last couple of days temp been running 4-5deg hotter, if it is then i've been quoted around £1000

Are you loosing coolant? and if so, how much?

Very rare to get away with a new head gasket.....more often than not it's the head itself.

not losing it, starting to be a heavy drinker? but only in the last couple of days

As far as I'm aware, you are more likely to get a lumpy start and white smoke when starting up cold rather than hot as the water will have seeped into the combustion chamber as it cools down and the pressure drops. However, there are numerous possible causes and symptoms, so you have to collate all the observations to make an educated diagnosis.

Simon Jones wrote:As far as I'm aware, you are more likely to get a lumpy start and white smoke when starting up cold rather than hot as the water will have seeped into the combustion chamber as it cools down and the pressure drops. However, there are numerous possible causes and symptoms, so you have to collate all the observations to make an educated diagnosis.

Numerous they can be, and as this is early in the problem if it was mine I would dose it with K seal. I don't normally believe in magic but this stuff can work DEPENDING on the problem. You will soon know as it 'smokes' no more..........

phatgit wrote:to the point,usually starts first time in the mornings,a pig to start when its hot and lumpy as if its missing, but goes after about 10-20secs, once going don't miss a beat, last couple of days temp been running 4-5deg hotter, if it is then i've been quoted around £1000

Twin starter batteries? Flap in exhaust partially closed maybe?

The Great Pretender wrote:

Simon Jones wrote:As far as I'm aware, you are more likely to get a lumpy start and white smoke when starting up cold rather than hot as the water will have seeped into the combustion chamber as it cools down and the pressure drops. However, there are numerous possible causes and symptoms, so you have to collate all the observations to make an educated diagnosis.

Numerous they can be, and as this is early in the problem if it was mine I would dose it with K seal. I don't normally believe in magic but this stuff can work DEPENDING on the problem. You will soon know as it 'smokes' no more..........

And some may say that the addition of K seal could help to prevent the head failing in the first place... (wait for it)

bigdaddycain wrote:

The Great Pretender wrote:

Simon Jones wrote:As far as I'm aware, you are more likely to get a lumpy start and white smoke when starting up cold rather than hot as the water will have seeped into the combustion chamber as it cools down and the pressure drops. However, there are numerous possible causes and symptoms, so you have to collate all the observations to make an educated diagnosis.

Numerous they can be, and as this is early in the problem if it was mine I would dose it with K seal. I don't normally believe in magic but this stuff can work DEPENDING on the problem. You will soon know as it 'smokes' no more..........

And some may say that the addition of K seal could help to prevent the head failing in the first place... (wait for it)

It is known to work on many vehicles that have known head/head gaskets issues......many trade buddies add it to the system as a preventative and if you own a Punto.....do you want to change head gaskets every 20-44,000 miles.....or have a £9.99 treatment..... good call Mel

YES it is the head, 2 cracks in it one small one large, new head being fitted as i write this, hoping to have it back B4 the weekend, new thermostat(genuine) and water pump being fitted as well, and a damn good flush out

I don't belive you can "flush" out a sedimented radiator. >>>I would replace it if it hasn't already been done.....

phatgit wrote:YES it is the head, 2 cracks in it one small one large, new head being fitted as i write this, hoping to have it back B4 the weekend, new thermostat(genuine) and water pump being fitted as well, and a damn good flush out

you really need to find the cause of the problem, not just fix the result in my opinion.

a good pressure test of the system for leaks, and test or replace the expansion tank cap, check/replace the fan switch, and as haydn says replace the front rad.
would be heart breaking to find yourself here again for the sake of a poorly performing part.

...and make sure the garage follow Simon Jones' best practice guide (flatting the block etc.) when doing the job

anyone have any ideas as to why the head would crack, in the 2yrs i've had it it has never overheated, the expansion tank is clear, the eng temp alarm has always run at around 91-94, oil changes have been regular(every 6mths). the only problem i've had is glowplugs, it has always ran sweet

Heads can "just" go for all sorts of reasons and do not have to have been overheated.....however if you have the temp sensor at the back of the cylinder head those temps are on the high side....Mine used to run at 88/90C...and my radiator was not 100% clear