Problem with coolant level changing

[Rob Morgan]

I think my engine is on its last legs 
Whilst going to work this morning, the van got a bit hot.
At lunch time, i filled the rad up with a fair bit of water and topped the expansion botte up to 1/2, approx 1-1.5ltr all together
i then drove into town about a 3 mile round trip
when i came back, the level had dropped, so i poured all of the expansion bottle into the rad to see how much i'd lost. it filled the rad, so 1/2 my expansion bottle has vanished.
it does not seem to be leaking onto the road

the big problem.....
when i went to start my van to come home, it wouldnt turn. my boss suggests hydraulic lock. when the piston(s) fill up with water which prevent it from turning.
the water level had dropped again.
as the van has been a bit temprimental in the cold, i connected the jump leads, and it started after 2-3 tries.
when it started, the level in the rad went up again, but my expansion bottle needed topping up again.
i then drove home 11 mile, with no problems. but on idle, it splutters a fair bit

there is a small amount of yellow stuff under the oi cap, but it is due an oil change.

Suggestions PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Dell Boy]

99% sure the head gasket/cylinder head has failed. With the rad cap on & the engine running does the top  hose blow up & feel very hard?  With the rad cap off when you start it, does the coolant gush out off the radiator  It sounds like it is leaking into a cylinder or two. Derek.

[Rob Morgan]

the rad cap rubber seal has perished a bit so its not an air tight seal.
but i'll have a look tomorrow

ta

[>>CHOP<<]

i think you already know the answer rob...deffo head gasket...dont despair its not that bad a job....you can do it....its a perfect oppertunity to sort the valves and alot of other things in there seals etc...crack on....CHOP

[Rob Morgan]

it couldnt have come at a worse time!
bit skint, and i was planning on selling it in a few months!!!!!!
so i need head gasket, head bolts, anything else?
i've never done a HG before 

[>>CHOP<<]

get the full head gasket set....with valve seals etc...head bolts ar not a necessity but if you want to then ok....

[Rob Morgan]

is that something derek keeps in stock?
how much am i looking at?

[Matty]

I think this is what you need Rob, someone will confirm sooner or later.  Won't break the bank either.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SUZUKI-CARRY-SJ410-RASCAL-1-0-F10A-HEAD-GASKET-SET_W0QQitemZ180403583017QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item2a00e43829

[Matty]

I think you also need to consider having the head checked in case its warped and if so get it reskimmed, again someone else on here will confirm if that is the case, i am by no means a mechanic!

[>>CHOP<<]

yes thats the sort of head gasket set you need ...its not just the head you have to take off ...but just to make it easier remove the head with the manifolds still attached ...the inlet manifold is a bugger to remove while in engine bay...it is possible with a good straight edge and a good eye to see if head is warped ...but unless you have suffered from extream overheating then im sure it would be ok...£30 - £50 to have it skimmed its up to you...i have changed head gaskets many times and re-used old bolts with no problems at all...so long as they havnt been rounded off they will be fine...when you get head off ...make sure you remove every trace of the old gasket...dont mark or dent any part of the mating surfaces..i use an old woodworking planer blade very carefully..   just take your time it will come up like new...while head is off check other things ...valves /valve seats for cracks...re-grind them it makes an awsome difference to engine you can here them snappig shut..if they dont snap shut they could be warped or bent...its a perfect oppertunity to sort the bits you cant normally get to...im itching to do mine ..just dont seem to be able to find the time....im sort of waiting for my head gasket to go ...just to give me the insentive to do it..lol.....good luck rob...if ya dont want van i will....

[Rob Morgan]

£21.75 for a headgasket set, i've just been quoted £42!!!!!
as the engine froze solid twice in the bad winter we had, what are the odds on my cracking the head or block?
i did have anti-freeze in there, and it still froze!!

[>>CHOP<<]

well give it to me then....

[Rob Morgan]

you going to fix it for me chop?
thanks!

[>>CHOP<<]

i fix it...i keep it...

[Rob Morgan]

 

if i need a new head or block, where can i get 1 from? and how much?
is it a call to derek for them?