Please Help! Head gasket leaking and bolts work loose, tapping noise, lack of power

Hi Guys,

Really need some honest help and advice.
I have a Discovery 300 TDI M reg. Had it about two years now when i got it the guy said it had, had the top of the engine rebuilt and it seemed to run a dream. anyway a month later the engine blew and the rock shaft snapped in 3 places. got that fixed.

Anyway down to my main problems that i need your help with:
I recently changed the head gasket seal because id noticed their was alot of oil leaking around the top. when i came to change it i noticed the 3 bolts holding it in where very loose - i cracked on and changed the gasket but for a few weeks kept checking the bolts and they where coming loose. also during this time a few of my landorver mates had said my tappets needed doing as you could hear them tsapping away.

i got a friend to do tappets and have a look at the engine which he did and it seemed to have got its power back and the tapping had stopped.

however the tapping is still their just not as bad and the head gasket is leaking again (ive noticed little trails of dotted oil from where ive set off and then where ive parked). im going to check the bolts tonight.

Through all of this i seem to have a major lack of power. im hoping to take the caravan away next weekend but at the minete i dont think the old girl will make it.

She puffs out a great deal of blue smoke when i first start her up and for about the first few minetes of driving but settles down after that.

Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.

i think what you are refering to is the ROCKER COVER GASKET! not the head gasket,is it the studs coming loose from the head or the actual nuts that come loose, if its the stud that comes loose just remove it, give it a clean and the put it back using locktight,if that don't work, helicoil is the other option. either way it shoul stop the bolt coming loose problem. if you let people know where you are based you may find someone local to you who could have a butchers for you.
p s. it also helps on this forum if you introduce yourself, that way you tend to get a friendlier responce.
ron.

also check breathers are clear.... personally suspect it may be worn rings pressurising the oil system... hope not but possible

cheers stevde

Location location location !!!!!!
Sounds like a ####ed head gasket !!
Valve clearances should be set cold!! Use the rule of nine!!!
If you don't understand any of this then , take it to a garage !!