Neil-Serenade

Morning. My car suddenly decided to empty itself of water on Sunday and steam was coming out from the engine. I topped it up with 2 litres of water yesterday morning but that was gone in no time and more steam started to appear, even coming through the air vents and speakers and out from under front wheel arch. Was also whistling like an old kettle and then started to make a rattling noise when trying to pull away, sounded more like a diesle. Got a mechanic to have a look and topped it up again with 4 litres but same thing again happened. The water was being pumped round but I was told either the water hose has gone or the head gasket but wouldn't know if it was gasket until changed the hose which apparently required removal of cambelt. Was told if it is head gasket, could be looking at bill of £500+, is this correct and what work is involved if this is the case. The clutch is knackered and initially I thought that would have caused strain on the engine as it would hardly pull away in gear on the flat but was told this wasn't the case. Cheers.

RichieST

iTrader: (2)

Sounds like a hose has gone, and you've cooked it. Why would you need to take the cambelt off to change a hose?

STeve

iTrader: (11)

as richie mentions only need to remove cambelt if changing the water pump as all hoses you can get access too even if a bit awkward, but unless your getting mix of oil and water etc I would suspect a hose or water pump first before fearing the worst at a HG