Moss Motors, Ltd

Also, the car runs GREAT.  Last time the head gasket blew, it ran BAD.  It was misfiring and running horribly.  That is not the case this time.  And, the temp gauge did not get to 1/2 even.  So this all isn't adding up.  I can't decide whether I think the gasket is blown or not.

The symptoms of a blown head gasket are there---"coolant-y" smoke from the tailpipe, and a little condensation on the oil filler cap.  But since the car is running great that is the part that doesn't add up.

Maybe this is a long shot, but a guy over on MGExperience suggested that maybe the smoke from the tailpipe is puddled coolant from the last time it blew, and the condensation on the oil filler cap was maybe the oil leftover in the sump/system from the last time it blew.  I did change the oil, but maybe there was something left in the filter.  Not sure.  Just wanted input on that idea.

Anyways, thanks again in advance.

---

1979 MGB, Pageant Blue.
-Weber Conversion w/ header
-Back-Dated to points ignition, Lucas 45D Dizzy, Lucas Sport coil

rich8,

If it runs well, and has oil pressure, drive it for a while. Perhaps indeed there is some left over slop from the first adventure. You can't hurt it if it runs cool and has oil pressure. Just keep checking the coolant and the oil. You know what to look for.

---

Motorbill
From Lola to Land Rover, If it's British and has wheels, it's likely I've bloodied me knuckles thereupon

Rlich-

I go with the wait and see vote. Having said that, another easy potential check for a blown head gasket is bubbles in the coolant. Take off the radiator cap with the engine running and see if you see any. They should be fairly apparent. BE CAREFULL IF THE ENGINE IS HOT!!!

 

Also, have you re-torqued the head yet? 

 

LCJUTILA 

I've used a blown head gasket tester on my 1969 mach1, not sure if the adapter meant for an american radiator would fit a MG's radiator, but worth taking a look.

the device is simple, attach the tube to the top of the radiator, fill the tube with the special fluid that turns green from blue if exhaust gases are present in the radiator fluid.

please let us know updates, that's how we learn

BTW is that your picture, damn you are a young dude to be into british cars? Crap I'm 44 looking for my first mgb-gt, rekindling my love for the car in high school.

Chris 

 

cfauvel:

I've used a blown head gasket tester on my 1969 mach1, not sure if the adapter meant for an american radiator would fit a MG's radiator, but worth taking a look.

the device is simple, attach the tube to the top of the radiator, fill the tube with the special fluid that turns green from blue if exhaust gases are present in the radiator fluid.

please let us know updates, that's how we learn

BTW is that your picture, damn you are a young dude to be into british cars? Crap I'm 44 looking for my first mgb-gt, rekindling my love for the car in high school.

Chris 

 

 

Thanks for all the tips guys!

 

It DID in fact end up just being a little coolant left in the exhaust system, and a bit of water left in the sump.  I think my father and I overreacted---we were both wanting to get home after we finished the job so we jumped to a conclusion.  We made the issue to be far more complex than it really was...when it wasn't at all!

 

Very glad I didn't have a cracked block or uneven head surface.  Although the end result would have been a brand spankin' new engine...I just don't need one right now! 

That is in fact me!  I am 22---yes, I absolutely love my british cars.  Modern [sports] cars to me are too sterile and computerized.  I enjoy getting in my MG and feeling a connection to it---listening to the engine...feeling the gearbox, brakes...rack and pinion steering.  NOT into the loud boom-boom that appeals to most my age.  This is real motoring right here to me!

 

By the way---tuned my timing and carb and boy I must say, with the combo of that and the new head, I have probably 3-5% more power!  Not bad on a 100hp engine! 

---

1979 MGB, Pageant Blue.
-Weber Conversion w/ header
-Back-Dated to points ignition, Lucas 45D Dizzy, Lucas Sport coil

rich,

Cool! I'm glad to here all this. It sounds like you have a summer of enjoyment coming. I'm only a little jealous...

Now get out there and start practicing that smoothness, man!!

---

Motorbill
From Lola to Land Rover, If it's British and has wheels, it's likely I've bloodied me knuckles thereupon

motorbill66:

rich,

Cool! I'm glad to here all this. It sounds like you have a summer of enjoyment coming. I'm only a little jealous...

Now get out there and start practicing that smoothness, man!!

 

ABSOLUTELY I am going to do that this summer.  Ideally, I want to be able to drive my car WITHOUT hearing the diff clunk, taking turns and practicing smoothness as I should be, by the end of the summer.  Not a bad goal! 

---

1979 MGB, Pageant Blue.
-Weber Conversion w/ header
-Back-Dated to points ignition, Lucas 45D Dizzy, Lucas Sport coil