Template

To all

Yesterday my 120 began loosing water. No external leakage, exept from the
overflow-pipe. I did hope it was caused by a weak spring in the
radiator-cap. But I think it's more serious: I recognized a "whirlpool"
looking in the radiator  -  increasing with incr. engine-rev.
The temp. has never been above 90 degr.C.

I think the problem is the cylinder head gasket - a leakage between cyl.
and water-way are making a high pressure in the cooling-water (no water in
oil).

I should appreciate comment and tips.

Thank you

Martin Jacobsen

Martin,

Refill system and pressure check.  Often, if lucky, you can find the loose
clamp or fitting where coolant escaping.

Tom McNicholas
XK120 OTS

    From the sound of it Martin you are right about it being a head gasket.
If your cap did not leak then I am sure that it would blow one of your
hoses. That is a sure sign of a leak in the head gasket. The leak would be
between a cylinder and cooling port. That is why there is no sign of oil.

Malcolm 140 fhc.

Malcolm D, McNair

Did you get bubbles in your radiator water when the engine is running?
That is a symptom of blown head gasket or cracked head.
     Is your exhaust pipe coated with a black sticky greasy sludge? That is
also a symptom of head or head gasket (or cracked block, but not likely).
     Either of the above can be head problems and fortunately, the water
doesn't necessarily flow into the block or oil. I had a '35 Rolls that
required a NEW head because of overheating and blowby out the exhaust. Both
symptoms were there.
Steve Mac

I've ordered new gaskets from Guy Broad, and hope to start the job next week.
I'll give a report and tell what was the problem.

Thanks to all who responded.

Regards
Martin Jacobsen

If you have any questions or comments send e-mail to: ted@jag-lovers.org
Main Page	Back to the Library