On Monday, I attempted to start my engine. It coughed and refused to start.I tried again and this time there was no engine turn over at all. I thought that the battery was perhaps somewhat discharged and put it on charge. On Tuesday, I attempted to start it again, and it did, but the exhaust note was odd. On checking the exhaust pipe and gasses, I was surprised to see the quantity of water coming from both exhaust pipes! I took the car for a five mile drive and all appeared fine. So, I used the car for a meeting some thirty miles away. On the way home and driving at motorway speeds, I was suddenly aware that I had blue smoke trailing me! I left the motor way and drove a further ten miles home. The blue smoke disappeared. Now here is my concern. Do I have a failed head gasket? I do not want to try to start it again lest I have water in the cylinders that could cause hydraulicing.

 

Harmonic balancer gave way and not turning the main coolant pump ?

This would set up a overheated head situation

There is a leaking head gasket test where you pressurize the coolant system

Oil on the dipstick showing signs of foaming the oil , This is very bad for the bearings if at this point

 

Remove all of the plugs and turn the engine over (suggest remove fuel pump relay). If any water (or oil) is ejected from cylinders then yes you have a problem.

If not, run a compression test on each cylinder and compare.

Have you lost a lot of coolant?

Do you have excess crankcase pressure? Check at dipstick with engine running.

 

I am not keen on turning the engine over at this time! I have checked coolant level and that seems normal. The engine oil is at the correct level and appears clean and free from water. The auto box level appears normal and clean but I have not run the engine to determine the exact level. I think I will order a head gasket set and then remove the plugs and have a look see into the cylinders. And keep my fingers crossed!

 

put the parts cannon away

 

Hi littlelic69,

How recently had you purchased petrol prior to the onset of these symptoms? Is it possible you purchased fuel contaminated with water? Typically, the water gets intermixed with the fuel as it is pumped into the fuel tank, then settles to the bottom of the tank over time.

Brendan has given you some excellent suggestions so those would be my next steps. There's no point whatsoever in ordering a head gasket set until you've confirmed the diagnosis.

Cheers,

Don

 

This morning I re-read all your comments and advice. I had re-fuelled the previous Saturday but had only done a handful of miles since. Mind gets ticking! Nevertheless I decided to remove the plugs and with a long paint brush check for any contaminants in the cylinder bores. There was nothing. I decided it was safe to run the engine. So I reset the sparking plug gaps, a couple were tight, cleaned up the coils, which are Lucas, I wonder how long they have been in there, and started the engine! It started immediately with no hint of water or smoke coming from the exhaust! All very good news. There is one small issue in that one of the coil retaining bolt holes appears to be stripped so will need a Helicoil repair at the next service. I intend to go for a quick longer drive later to establish my confidence again. Very many thanks for all your contributions, this forum is the tops!!!Alec G.

 

I suspect the problem you have is hardened valve stem seals. I have that and it's on my list to sort out when I drum up enough enthusiasm.

It's more of an issue when the car has been laid up for some time (oil has more time to seep down the seal). Also more of a noticeable problem on overrun or light throttle (higher intake vac sucks oil in).

 

I drove some twelve miles or so at relatively high speed. No problems at all. In fact I thought the cat drove beautifully. No hint of smoke or anything else. Thanks again for your advice and comments. Alec G.

 

"Oh I do love a happy ending!" Especially since "engine failure" is unacceptable. I'd advise picking up a jar of Jaguar Blue Smoke to keep on hand in case you ever lose any more.