Head Gasket Problem

Help needed i have just replaced the head gasket on my 2,5 n/a diesel defender torqued all head bolts put everything else back together and the problem i have is that when i fill it with water it leaks from between the head and the block if anyone has any ideas it would be much appreciated
thanks Paul

defender86 said:

Help needed i have just replaced the head gasket on my 2,5 n/a diesel defender torqued all head bolts put everything else back together and the problem i have is that when i fill it with water it leaks from between the head and the block if anyone has any ideas it would be much appreciated
thanks Paul

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Hi. Did you have a overheating problem before changing the gasket?
If so there may be an issue with warping or cracking of the head.
If you have a good quality straight edge you can check for warping.
Cracks are normally visible. If the head is cracked, don't forget you can use one from series 2.25 engine, they are very similar.
I had to do this recently.
You do also need to be scrupulous when cleaning the head and block surfaces.

Finally, some gaskets are better than others - do a quick search on here for recommended brands.

This might sound daft, but is the gasket the right way up? Upside down and you'll get water all over the place, found that out the hard way with a mate's 90.

Dobbs said:

This might sound daft, but is the gasket the right way up? Upside down and you'll get water all over the place, found that out the hard way with a mate's 90.

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Hopefully it's upside down. Some instructions say the writing should be face up, but it depends on the gasket manufacturer, so that can be misleading.

Easiest way I think is to look at the metal parts of gasket for the hotspots and ensure they are facing up so that they will sit against the swirl chambers.

If the gasket is on upside down, it only half covers one of the water ways, so once the water reaches the level of the head, it just pours out.

Take note when you are removing the head bolts, if they are torqued unevenly and you know you did them right, then - this means the head is warped.

thanks for the replies i will be taking the head off again on wednesday i think i have worked out why it may be leaking i never realised that it needed torqing down 3 times at different degrees doh will let you know how i get on

defender86 said:

thanks for the replies i will be taking the head off again on wednesday i think i have worked out why it may be leaking i never realised that it needed torqing down 3 times at different degrees doh will let you know how i get on

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its best to but not vital to tighten that way more important is you tighten center out ,and then recheck if its a 2.5 na

jamesmartin said:

its best to but not vital to tighten that way more important is you tighten center out ,and then recheck if its a 2.5 na

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Looking at his post, I think he may have been looking at Tdi spec about tightening by degrees

quit possibly though some gaskets come with 35nm then 75nm then 130nm were original spec was just 130nm so could be confusing

Yes, that is what I would do too, three stages tightening from the middle. Fraid my torque wrench is so old I still do foot pounds tho!

well its gone back together the torque wasn't the problem like an idiot i had put the gasket on upside down and wrong way round but at least its donr now the only thing i have got to do is take the injectors out and give them a good clean and blow out cause it is firing on 3 cylinders but other than that thing turned out ok thanks for the replies

Goods news OP - well done. Did it run well from the off and then deteriorate or was it misfiring right from when it started?

Now get yourself over to Introduce Yourself - Land Rover Zone and introduce yourself!