LA11 engine problems

[JT7196]

The bad news Chaps, is that I am returning to the UK at the end of the month, at which time I shall be investigating what’s causing those ‘ Orrible noises under the Bonnet of my Lanchester LA11! !
Just to add insult to injury, the Head Gasket on my. MG ZS 120 started to give trouble about 3 days before my departure to OZ, it’s going into my local garage to be sorted this week, so just hope that I don’t have to endure any horrible stories on my return .........Ho- Hum .

Best wishes to you all Al

[classiclife]

Hello Al,

Re your head gasket problem, you MAY wish to consider this item:
http://www.steelseal.co.uk/

It is light years ahead of anything on the market - K Seal does not even come anywhere close, not even on the radar as a fix.

The success rate is exceptionally high and used by a lot of track and race day owners as a permanent solution. Not saying 100% but certainly knocking on that door !! I have used it on a couple of occasions where necessary and thoroughly recommend it.

Regards.

Richard.

[JT7196]

Hi Richard, many thanks for the suggestion of Steel Seal, I did try it once in my Lanchester, but on stripping the engine last year prior to overhaul last year, I found most of it stuck in the bottom hose !
Probably due to it not having a pressurised system and of course, the Water Pump on these cars are not very efficient.
As for the MG, well it was alll a bit strange, stopped at a friends house and heard a bubbling noise, water being
ejected from the Expansion Tank, and the Bottom Hose felt empty !
Topped up the water, and on my return home the same thing happened, so took it down to a friend of mine who owns a small garage, he recons it is the Head Gasket, strange really , as I had a brand new Cylinder Head fitted only a couple of years ago complete with the new multi layer Head Gasket, even had a new Water Pump and Timimg Belts at the same time.
They are due to pick up my car this morning , to have a look, hopefully, it will be ok on my return from Perth at the end of this month ?

Cheers Al

Ps Should note, that no contamination of either the Cooling System Liquid, or Engine Oil appears to have happened thank goodness!

[classiclife]

Hello Al,

We have hi-jacked the thread slightly but will run my luck !!

[Admin edit: I had noticed and I've now split the topic.]

Good point regarding the Lanchester coolant system and of course pressure is required to complete the task - no problem for your MG though.

Out of interest, where the head bolts replaced when you had all that work done as I believe they are the stretch type or of a similar property ??

Reckon trying the Steel Seal is worth a go, lets face it - there is nothing to lose at the moment !!

Regards.

Richard.

[classiclife]

Thanks for the split, much appreciated.

Al and I can chat troublesome MG heads and Steel Seal

Regards.

Richard.

[Marcel Renshaw]

I tried steel seal last year with no success.
It won't help Alan as his car will be sorted by the time he gets home.

[classiclife]

Hello Marcel,

What car was that ??

Regards.

Richard.

[JT7196]

Hi Richard, yes all the Head Bolts and Cylinder Head, Water Pump, Tensioner, & Cam Belt for that matter, were replaced , so I’m wondering what’s gone wrong, just hope that it not terminal !,

Cheers Al

Ps , Aparently going in the garage next Monday, hope they get if done before my arrival back in UK at the end of next week !!

[Marcel Renshaw]

I used steel seal on a Nissan X Trail that was loosing water but without any signs of where it was going.

[classiclife]

That's very interesting Marcel and thanks for your reply.

Ironically I had a very slight visible weep from the head gasket, on my 180K mileage (2005) X-Trail prior to Xmas.

Touch wood, the application has delivered 100% so far with a thousand miles under its belt and all appears well....................... hopefully I've not jinxed that by mentioning the issue

Just goes to show, luck of the draw. Have to add it's a vehicle I rate very highly, especially after all I've asked of it !!!

Best wishes.

Richard.