Seriously fed up - More engine misery

Scott_Argyll said:

My time as a discovery owner has not been a good one, after one head gasket failer caused the engine (300TDi) to seize I had it replaced with one from ebay. The replacement seemed to be a good engine it ran really well, pulled well and had no problems with burning oil or problems with using water, at the time of having the engine fitted I also had a new timing belt fitted and as it took time to save up for the new engine it had a new battery, after the engine was fitted it then needed an MOT, with it being of the road for nearly a year I thought it would not needed much doing to it, how wrong was I? To cut a long story short it has now cost me £1500 to get it back on the road after not being able to use it for 12 months.

Our first thought was to flog it but instead decided to use it for a road trip to belgium, this went without hitch doing around 800 miles until 60 miles from home when is started to sound like an air cooled VW. we pressed on home at a slower speed. The following morning started up the engine again only to see exhust gases coming out of the bulkhead \ drivers side of the engine. I am really ****ed of as we have now spent more than the car is worth. Has anyone come across this, to me it sounds like head gasket but there is no sign of water loss or presurisation.

I would seriuosly appriciate any help.

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Scott_Argyll said:

That was my first thought but it does seem to be the other side of the the engine to the exhuast manifold

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Scott_Argyll said:

The power seemed okay on the motorway but I was keeping my speed down, it did seem low once i got into town.

What would a compression test involve and what was it possibly show.

many thanks!

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ratty said:

It would show if it is head gasket or not. It can be done on both petrol and diesel engines.

The glow/spark plugs are removed and a valve leading to a pressure guage is screwed into the glow/spark plugs hole. The engine is then cranked over. which pumps up the cylinder to operating pressure. If it is able to pump up and maintain that pressuer then that cylinder is good. This is done on all of your cylinders. If one or more is unable to build or maintain pressure then that is where your fault lies. It is well worthwhile doing for peace of mind.

Like I say my money is on the exhaust. Just out of curiosity though have you checked your turbo hoses are still on and intact?

Here is a link to one on ebay so you can see what it looks like.
DIESEL ENGINE COMPRESSION TESTING KIT BNIB on eBay, also, Diagnostic Tools Equipment, Garage Equipment Tools, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 04-Nov-08 14:02:39 GMT)

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