Mike-530 Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 Hi people. Noticed my coolant level had dropped considerably the other week on my forged 4e. Ran some tests and couldn't find any leaks. I did notice that a fair amount of coolant had shot out the top of the expansion tank. Also ran it with the rad cap off and it will bubble continually. All of this to me points to head gasket. The engine, that was built not that long ago, was fitted with a 1.2 athena gasket. Have many of these failed before in a similar way? And should i set about getting the head off asap?Any help would be much appreciated. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
daniel_g Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 Theres been a couple threads recently where people have been wondering if their athena is actually genuine, premature gasket failure and or oil leaks around the head. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
morgey Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 Get a sniff test done, should tell you if theres exhaust fumes in the coolant Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mike-530 Posted February 7, 2017 Author Share Posted February 7, 2017 I had a smell when i ran it. Couldn't really tell tbh. The water level has been dropping quite quickly of recent, having to top it up a couple of times a week. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
patman Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 They sell these kits on eBay for around 7 quid Quote Link to post Share on other sites
morgey Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 A sniff test isnt you sniffing it lol, its a sample of the coolant to check for hydrocarbons in it from exhaust gasses. Most garages can do it or buy yourself a kit as mentioned above Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Starlet__SR Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 A sniff test isnt you sniffing it lol, its a sample of the coolant to check for hydrocarbons in it from exhaust gasses. Most garages can do it or buy yourself a kit as mentioned above Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mike-530 Posted February 7, 2017 Author Share Posted February 7, 2017 Haha oh right, didn't know you could do that. I'll look into it and see if thats the case. Thanks Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mike-530 Posted February 10, 2017 Author Share Posted February 10, 2017 Purchased a little cheap tester kit from ebay and the blue liquid turned yellow fairly quickly, indicating it failed 😞 . So is there anything i need to know before i set about the strip down? Going to purchase a new gasket, cam belt and get the head checked and skimmed. Anything else i need to be aware of?Thanks Quote Link to post Share on other sites
morgey Posted February 10, 2017 Share Posted February 10, 2017 If you remove the cams make sure you stick a service bolt in thebintake gear to keep it in tension Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mike-530 Posted February 10, 2017 Author Share Posted February 10, 2017 Ok bud, will keep that in mind Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TimD Posted February 11, 2017 Share Posted February 11, 2017 I'd be keen to find out why the gasket went so quickly. How many miles has the engine done? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mike-530 Posted February 11, 2017 Author Share Posted February 11, 2017 The motor has done approximately 10 thousand easy miles from being fully forged at stage 2. I thought it was rather early lol. Hopefully The block hasn't split or something lame like that. How do I check for block failures?Thanks for replys Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mike-530 Posted March 8, 2017 Author Share Posted March 8, 2017 Can anyone here recommend a decent engine Reconditioner/machinist in the East Midlands or somewhere fairly close? Going to need a crack test and the head skimming. Thanks Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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