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My 96 V4 had been stood for a couple of years ( water drained ) as I had just finished a rally and it needed quite a bit doing to pass a road test again. Had to fit a new exhaust, before that though had to fit a new cylinder head as the studs for the exhaust clamp broke off whilst unscrewing the nuts!! Other parts that were fitted included a replacement overflow bottle. So, got all this done, drove the car and it started to overheat after about 20 miles i.e. well after it had reached normal working temperature. What seems to be happening is that the water is ending up in the overflow bottle. I've flushed the radiator and removed the thermostat. So now looking at a blown head gasket or cracked head but was wondering if there were any sure signs this is what it is. All the water pipes get hot, there are a few drips of water inside the tailpipe that is mated to the changed head ( twin exhaust which makes this easier!! ) but no noticeable steam. Car idles fine - maybe the odd miss but intend changing the plugs. Removed the rocker cover and there is no white sludge - however there are a few "bubbles" as the oil runs down the rocker catch plate whilst engine is running?? Oil dipstick does not contain any sludge. Water in overflow bottle, whilst full to the brim with water after overheat, looks fine apart from maybe a slight rainbow film on the top. I've assumed water pump is working as temperature drops when electric fan kicks in.
Read the other posts and picked up the following:-
Check spark plugs for wetness.
Compression test the cylinders.
Anything else would be greatly appreciated.
Glyn ( Essex - UK ).
posted by 84.64.46...
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