My car suffered head gasket failure (see photo) between cylinders three and four.
The cylinder head has cleaned up well and it’s all very smooth to touch, with no signs of warping or score marks.
All four cylinders are nice and clean and feel perfectly smooth.
The only cause for concern is some pitting on the no.4 piston crown (see photo). It appears slightly jagged on one side. It’s going to be removed and inspected, but what are your thoughts on replacing it?
From the photograph would it cause you any great concern?
Pitted piston - head gasket failure
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Pitted piston - head gasket failure
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Re: Pitted piston - head gasket failure
I have seen worse and still in service.
You are right to strip out the piston and see what the total damage is before making any decision.
You are right to strip out the piston and see what the total damage is before making any decision.
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Re: Pitted piston - head gasket failure
Thanks Phil.
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Re: Pitted piston - head gasket failure
The piston is damaged - replace it is my advice.
Re: Pitted piston - head gasket failure
Or put it back together and give it a compression test. If it's low gearbox off and drop the crank and have a look at the piston.
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Re: Pitted piston - head gasket failure
Nourish
Forgive my ignorance, but I dont understand why you would remove a gearbox and then the crankshaft just to inspect a piston.
I would have thought removing the sump and taking off the big end cap, then lifting the piston out from the top with the head off would be quicker.
Have I missed something ?
Phil P
Forgive my ignorance, but I dont understand why you would remove a gearbox and then the crankshaft just to inspect a piston.
I would have thought removing the sump and taking off the big end cap, then lifting the piston out from the top with the head off would be quicker.
Have I missed something ?
Phil P
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Re: Pitted piston - head gasket failure
I agree with Phil P.
To examine the piston in question there is absolutely no need to remove the gearbox or crankshaft.
Phil J.
To examine the piston in question there is absolutely no need to remove the gearbox or crankshaft.
Phil J.
Re: Pitted piston - head gasket failure
Yeh your right - my apologies
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Re: Pitted piston - head gasket failure
Thanks gents. New pistons and big end shells it is.