I just replaced the water pump and filled with coolant. Uh Oh. Steam is coming out the sides of the motor near the back of the head area on both sides. Lots of white smoke out the tail pipes. It must have got hot when the water pump went. So I'm looking to the experts on this forum for some advise on how to approach this problem. I have done some motor work on my 77 MGB. I did a complete tear down, had the heads decked, had the crank turned, replaced the cam and valve train. It is all together and runs good now. So with this kind of experience should I tackle the Jag? We really can't afford to take it to a shop. What are all the "might as well repairs" to do while in there, if I pull the heads and what should I expect the cost to be in addition to mine a good buddy's labor for parts and machine shop services?

Any input you guys give here is very much appreciate it. This is a great forum. You guys saved me a ton on the 98 XK8 is brought back to life. I love these cars.

Best regards.
Jeff

 

You will find many writeups on the forum of members repairing blown head gaskets. There is a possibility of damage to the block and/or warped heads and dropped valve seats, but you have the experience needed to do a tear down and inspection with help from the forum. If everything checks out, putting it back together is not a problem.

 

I'd certainly tear it down first to see precisely what is wrong and then be able to determine options and estimate costs.

If it's only gaskets then a it's simple and low cost replacement. If the heads are warped or the block needs facing, then a used motor is likely to be the lower cost option. Once you start rebuilding, it soon gets very expensive.

Whichever route you need to go, plenty of advice available on the forum.

Graham