Possible HGF

[Rice crispy]

Waiting on a block test but I think my head Gasket is failing. Lost a little water from the header tank recently and can't see any leaks, had it pressure tested but it took about 20mins to lose about 0.5lb of pressure and couldn't see any leaks hence the block test. My usual mechanic is going to do the test on Monday (fluid goes out of date apparently) but he won't be able to fix it if it's the head Gasket as he will be off work for about 8 weeks for an operation from the end of next week and he's fully booked. Any idea of someone in Essex who could do it and doesn't charge the earth. Also I assume the SJS head Gasket kit is ok?

[Rambo]

In the Essex region I immediately think of Barry Ely, Morland Jones, Castle etc... There may be many more that are conversant with the M100 and I'm sure someone closer will advise ?? I'm 450 miles away and have never used these specialists

[Rice crispy]

Was going to ask Gerald GST as I know spud uses him but it's a bit of a trek, heard good and bad about Barry Ely, Castle tend to do the newer stuff I think,

[Rice crispy]

So block test done and it came back green but is meant to go yellow on failure, it starts out blue apparently so I'm guessing it's on its way and only a very small amount of gas is escaping. That said I will be ringing around to get some idea of costs tomorrow.

[Rambo]

Have always heard good things about Gerald at GST from fellow LEC'rs so maybe worth the trek ?

[Rice crispy]

Yep will be my first call. Hopefully he can do a fixed price

[rip]

You get what you pay for.
I never feel ripped off by GST & always feel that care has been taken to do the job properly. Any worn components will be replaced & he usually keeps these to show you where they were failing.

I believe Gazza used to use Sinclair's which I think are somewhere nearer to you.

[Rice crispy]

Rip Sinclaires have a mixed reputation although they are closest to me I will pass on them.

[Rice crispy]

GST aren't taking customers at present I've left a message for Barry Ely to call back and Maidstone sports cars was about £1700

[HJ2]

I do it for half the price + you can spend the night in the beautiful city of Delft, haha

It is truly a very time consuming job when done properly. That's why it does not come for free (understatement)
If you take shortcuts on the job, you'll regret it very soon.
1700,- sounds a little steep though...

[dapinky]

I do it for half the price + you can spend the night in the beautiful city of Delft, haha

Especially if you deliver a Hard Top when you go......

[HJ2]

Hahaha! That's what I mean

[Rice crispy]

Hmm tempting. Could I keep my hood on with the hard top or does it have the hood cover included. Also what's the view on driving with a possible HGF. I believe if it is its very slight as there doesn't appear to be any excess pressure in the cooling system

[HJ2]

well, the hood stays, just the cover needs to go off (4 bolts). Please take it with you, you'll be needing it on the way back!

[Rambo]

I certainly wouldn't be driving my M100 down the road, never mind to Holland, if I had HGF

[lotusflasherman]

I certainly wouldn't be driving my M100 down the road, never mind to Holland, if I had HGF

Still only a 'possible HGF' and Brentwood to Harwich is only 55 miles. Sit on ferry to Hook of Holland then 15 miles to Delft ... doable?

I can lend some hardtop anchor brackets but the big problem is the hardtop is still 280 miles north of Brentwood

[HJ2]

Hmmmmzzzz. I was told from a reliable source that you can do without the brackets an work with ty-wraps.
The distance however is more of a problem....

[Rice crispy]

Collecting the car tomorrow and will do some thinking. May wait for my mechanic to get back. Definitely don't want to do 6- 700 miles as it is.

[HJ2]

That sounds like a wise decision
I mudt admit that i drove for 3 years with the headgasket on it's way out