Gunk in specific place on engine

AdrianC

Chickabiddybex wrote: »

Is there anything else that could do the same job that would be cheaper/easier to get hold of for example... engine oil?

Nowhere near as good at creeping through small gaps and along threads. Do you have a neighbour with a diesel car and a spare fuel can who could spare you a drop or three?

Diesel is actually incredibly cheap as penetrating oil goes- quid and a third for a litre, compared to WD40 at £6 for 400ml from Halfords - but next time you go to the petrol station, take a jam jar, and give the black nozzle a good shake. You'll get a few drops out, and that's all you really need.

forgotmyname

A good penetrating spray. Easier to get and store.

Or just get a garage / mechanic to check it over. have you checked the coolant level?

colino

So this thread has moved from an OP not knowing that a faulty thermostat housing is leaking coolant into a spark plug dwell into advising how to get their plugs out?


If you drove an old ford into any good garage, they'd quote you on a head removal. Much more realistic, very quick and normal for abused/ignored little fordies.

Chickabiddybex

Well it was definitely coolant leaking onto it but veeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrry slowly. There was a pool of about 3 or 4 drops over night. I cleared the worst of the gunk, sprayed some WD40 and put some strong water proof tape around where the coolant was leaking. It drives fine now. I'm gonna go shake a drop or two of diesel onto it tomorrow.

If this hasn't fixed it I'll be taking it to a garage. At least I know what the problem is too rather than just "the car judders"

Thanks everyone!

forgotmyname

The tape will do nothing. As soon as it heats up the water will wash it away.

But it sounds like the gasket has shrunk a bit with age and only weeping. Just make sure the coolant is on maximum and not above.. Too much can increase the pressure and force it out.

Dont tell the garage what the problem is. Say you think its.. But can you check for me.

If you tell them what work to do and it doesnt cure the issue then its down to you.
If you ask them to check its down to them.

Strider590

^^ Yes, but if they go over the top and try to make a small fortune out of a simple fault, then what?

Chickabiddybex

Yeah the tape came unstuck but it has redirected the drip away from that piece. I'll be going to a garage!