Date: Thu, 02 Aug 2001 15:22:12 -0700 From: Johannes H Andersen <johannes.andersennopsamel.ac.uk> Subject: Re: Headgasket on a 9000 CSE Ecopower
Nutmegger wrote: > > Johannes H Andersen says...... > > > > >I also had > > > >the headgasket replaced on my 9000 CSE LPT at around 60k, it > > > >solved a multitude of poor running problems and the car has > > > >been perfect ever since. There has been some quality problems > > > >with head gaskets on those models. However, I replaced the > > > >headgasket in time instead of waiting for a total breakdown, > > > >hence no skimming of the cylinder head was required in my case. > > > > > > Doesn't that have something to do with the design of the motor? > > > Cast block, aluminum heads? I mean two different metals are going to handle > > > heat at two different rates. > > > > > > > Not really. > > What has been the quality problems with those models? > It has been reported in this ng that it is not an uncommon phenomenon, the quality of the original headgaskets was in doubt. > >Both are water cooled. > > Does that make a difference? > I mean aluminum and cast iron conduct heat at different rates, so I'm > sure they cool at different rates. All that expanding and contracting > going on is bound to stress the metal, and each metal reacts > differently. > Maybe I'm missing something? > Since water cools the engine the temperature will be fairly even through both block and head. You are quite right that different metals expand at different rates. A lot can be done, however, with alloying. > It seems to me that head gaskets shouldn't be a repair needed in the > same sense one thinks of brakes or doing a clutch. Yet, many people I > talk to seem to have it done at one point or another. > True, headgaskets last a long time, but not as long as the engine. Suppose it also depends on your driving style. > >If the headgasket is "eaten" away > > by the combustion flames, then in severe cases the cumbustion front can > > burn the cylinder head outside the cylinder area. If this happens and > > you replace the headgasket, then it will no longer fit tight near the > > cylinder. In this case skimming is the only option. > > I wouldn't want to be in that predicament. > It looks like cast iron is slowly being replaced anyway, here are a > few articles if you are interested. As usual, it comes down to money, > not necessarily what is best. Quite right. It is not just the price of the metal, but also the processes involved. Noise is another factor, I guess alu is noisier than cast iron. But I don't really know these things. > > http://www.amm.com/inside/designs/1999/ds052499.htm > > http://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/ext_rel/clipping/001018lat.htm > Thanks, Johannes
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