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Jun 14th, 2026
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 49
Just Getting Started
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OP
Just Getting Started
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 49 |
about a mile from my house yesterday after leaving my head gasket let go, no overheating or any prior warning.
i'm not too bad with a spanner, but i've never done anything like this and my main worry is having to replace the cam belt.
ive got the haynes cvh book that has a fairly detailed description of the work, looking on ebay the haynes sierra manual seems to be the correct one for this engine (?), but can anyone give me any guidence or advice as to how difficult i might find it and would i be better off paying a garage.
ideally i'd like to do it myself, that way i can get the head checked and skimmed, and i will know the job has been done correctly.
1995 Plus 8
1984 4/4 4 Seater (prev)
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,415
Has a lot to Say!
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Has a lot to Say!
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,415 |
What were the symptoms of the breakdown?
It's unusual for a headgasket to suddenly let go
Simon @ Sifab.co.uk
Sifabtemporary@gmail.com
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 49
Just Getting Started
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OP
Just Getting Started
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 49 |
Sudden thick white smoke from the exhaust and loss of power, definitely not oil smoke. Engine wasn’t unduly hot as I’d just started out. Checked the dipstick and there’s water in the oil. RAC had to tow the car home, he also said head gasket.
1995 Plus 8
1984 4/4 4 Seater (prev)
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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 396 Likes: 44
Learner Plates Off!
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Learner Plates Off!
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 396 Likes: 44 |
Many, many years ago - I did the head gasket on my Escort Mk 2 on the drive using just a Haynes manual
Only tool I didn't have was a torque wrench - Luckily I was able to hire one from car parts shop near me (When there were independent motor factors)
Gasket blew on way to work on Friday morning - I had to be in Chester the next day - so booked day off work and changed gasket
If the Morgan is your "second car" - I'd crack on
Ian S
2019 Sports Green Plus 4
2025 Hyper Blue Mercedes 180 CLA
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 9,545 Likes: 132
Needs to Get Out More!
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Needs to Get Out More!
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 9,545 Likes: 132 |
Another  for the Haynes manual. Just be methodical both in dismantling and reassembly following the steps as described. Your year car should be straight forward. Bonnet removed will give you plenty of room to work. Use a camera to take photos as reminders, label cables/pipes etc ready for reassembly. The plug leads especially!
Last edited by sospan; 28/09/20 05:33 PM.
Plus Four MY23 Furka Rouge
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Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,065 Likes: 23
Has a lot to Say!
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Has a lot to Say!
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,065 Likes: 23 |
Haynes manual, for a 1981 Morgan (a Ford, not a Fiat) which manual is the best?
And is the „ISBN“ known?
René
2018 plus4 (sports green)
with a homemade really shiny red tinted dash…
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,515 Likes: 1
Talk Morgan Expert
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Talk Morgan Expert
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,515 Likes: 1 |
Haynes manual, for a 1981 Morgan (a Ford, not a Fiat) which manual is the best?
And is the „ISBN“ known?
René The ISBN for the Haynes Ford Escort 1980 to 1984 is 1 85010 010 1.
1972 4/4 2 Seater
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 12,257 Likes: 317
Scruffy Oik Member of the Inner Circle
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Scruffy Oik Member of the Inner Circle
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 12,257 Likes: 317 |
One watch point on the CVH engine is to make sure you tighten the camshaft bearing caps carefully and evenly. The valve springs have a high lb/in rating. It's also worth picking up a vernier cam pulley so you can dial the cam timing in accurately.
Tim H.
1986 4/4 VVTi Sport, 2002 LR Defender, 2022 Mini Cooper SE
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Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 122
L - Learner Plates On
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L - Learner Plates On
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 122 |
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