I was planning on starting this tomorrow but had a little free time so I thought I could get a head start. Think I found the contributing factor to the engine overheating and coolant loss (It needed the HG since I bought it so I had nothing to do with this little artistic diy ). I took the thermostat housing off and here is what I found. Apparently Bubba Junior had some JB weld left over from saving hisself some denteest muney by makeen hees owun keerown...

 

This is how it looks without the jb weld (I'm using JB weld as a generic term for any grey colored epoxy )

 

Now my first thought was 'why waste all this good epoxy when you could just put a couple of wraps of duct tape and really save yourself some money '. Well except for overheating the engine and blowing the HG and all that.
Hope it didnt have a cracked block or head... Or that he didnt make a jb weld valve or seal a piston with it...

In all rwaitybwhat would have done that? A timing chain breaking or ?

 

If ever there was a reason for doing a job properly that's it right there. Good luck with the strip down and repair.

 

Thanks Jim. I cant imagine what someone was thinking even trying that.

 

I dont suppose I can edit the title of this thread and spell started correctly? Thats what I get for using my phone to post...

 

Let's hope you don't find anything else lurking.

Not sure you can edit the thread title.

 

The culprit probably spent more on materials and certainly time than a proper replacement, I can't believe someone would risk coolant leaks/overheating = bye bye car in this way.
Some people should be banned from owing Jags...

 

Couldn't agree with you more kyle04.

 

Thanks moderator for correcting my spelling in the thead title. My smartphone has failed me

 

Got this far today. It does seem it has the new updated metal tensioners.

 

Geez, I hope you don't find any lego parts in there Rudun....

 

That much severe corrosion indicates that the coolant had not been changed . . . maybe since new. You are likely to find that everywhere including the coolant passageways inside the block.

 

Secondary tensioners do look good!

Let's hope they did the complete job and replaced the primary tensioners and the rails and the chains!
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Thanks for the responses everyone. Sorry to be late in replying I have been in Missouri for work. Question on the corrosion from the coolant. What is the best way to clean out the block etc just do a coolant flush?
Thanks again everyone this forum has been most helpful.

 

That's about all you can do. There are a number of flush products sold but they are all just weak acid. You can use vinegar from the grocery store that is much stronger but still will not damage your coolant system unless it is already past being able to salvage. It is about 5% of the cost of commercial coolant system flush.

Put a quart or even a half gallon in and run it a hundred miles over just a few days. I wouldn't leave it in longer than that. Flush with water, drain and refill with antifreeze.

Tight Wad Tom

 

Thanks test point. I will try that.