hi all,just joined (after this post i will go and introduce my self )

ive got a 1999 ford ka with head gasket problems.

ive just got it and the owner before me said it has head gasket problems.


it smokes badly out of the coolant tank and exhaust,drinks water.

i did a compression test and had no compression on number 3 and very low on number 2. ive removed the head and the gasket was gone in between the middle ones. i thought nice easy fix.but then looked at the valves and


not nice.

could someone give me some advice please.i take it that the valve might be bent

thanks
jay

 

Cheapest option is a second hand engine mate. Thats got bloody hot to drop a valve seat. God knows what the rings etc will be like.

 

thanks for the quick reply, would it be cheaper to buy a new engine,finding it hard looking for a good cheap head 2nd hand.

thanks jay

 

ive got a head gasket set and has the valve seals in it. would it be worth fitting them to that head. or just get a 2nd hand head.
thanks

 

that engine got dam hot to drop a seat imo.

i would not risk fitting a head i would fit an engine can be done in a few hours any ways no point fitting that head back on wont be much if any better and to evon think about fitting a head in that state WELL ................

 

The head as said has got seriously hot to do this, I have seen some x flow heads so bad you could push the guides out with your finger, still bloody hard though!!
I wouldn't bother with the whole engine, I would just get another head as will be cheaper than repairing yours I would imagine, if you can get a good engine cheap enough though you could just replace the lot.
tabetha

 

thanks for all the info.im managed to get a good 2nd hand head. hope the bottom of the engine is ok.

thanks

 

same thing happened with my mum's KA head, as long as the bores and pistons are ok you can replace the head.

i bought a re con head for my mum's and fitted it and all was ok