Engine problems..could be expensive!

[simong]

Hi all,
I own a 1969 S2 2+2 (9:1CR) which has developed an (potentially serious!) engine problem. I ran it recently on run of about 10 miles and all appeared OK. However I started it this week and it was a struggle to start and when it did it was not firing on all 6 cylinders, revved it and it just about managed 6 cylinders, but (and a big but!) big clouds of grey smoke and the engine would still not idle. Previously it started and idled OK with some smoke when revved hardish, otherwise OK. I checked the compression pressures (unfortunately not at full running temp due to the problem) and all were around 150psi with the exception of one at 170psi. The plugs are new and are not oily but with some light carbon. All I have done recently is change the coil, fuel and air filters and top up the oil.

Any ideas before I take radical action and whip off the head?!!

Thanks

[christopher storey]

Simon : I think that further testing is in order before you undertake radical dismantling. First of all, how long is it since the car had a good long run ? If you leave these cars for ages without running, all sorts of problems can arise, gummed rings, sticking valves etc . Is the oil level still sensible and the oil a usual colour i.e. not milky? Is the coolant level normal? Is the coolant a usual colour ( good ) or is there a rainbow effect ( bad) ? Have you checked the fuel filter, to see that the fuel is clear in colour, without silvery beads of water, and most particularly without any greyness which indicates long standing water contamination - note also that a short run after a long layup is precisely the thing which can distribute water around the system . Is the fuel reasonably fresh ? It can go off, quite badly, if left for periods of 6 months or more . Have you checked that each carburetter piston is moving freely ? Have you checked the ignition timing ? have you checked that the servo pipe has not come off the manifold, or perished?

I am sorry that this is a long shopping list, but your compression results do not immediately point to a head gasket failure, and I should try a good long run, having checked a reasonable proportion of the above aspects , to see if this clears it - particularly so if the car has been the subject of long disuse

I should also add that if you do become convinced that there is a head gasket failure , it is worthwhile getting one of the litmus type coolant test kits, which indicate if there are exhaust products in the coolant, which usually gives a definitive diagnosis

[simong]

Christopher, many thanks for the prompt reply and advice, the list should keep me busy for the weekend! I have only recently acquired the car and looking back at the past MOT?s it has only done 700 miles in the past 2 years and I have done 100 in short runs. I have recently filled up with Shell V Power when the tank was nearly empty. I have seen another post that talks about giving shot of Redex and good run to clean things out, I guess this is worth trying. I will work through the list this weekend and report back. Thanks again.

[simong]

All sorted a running very well! After searching the forum I worked out my dipstick should not be the shape it was and as a result the engine was very much overfilled with oil. Drained off the excess oil, also replaced HT leads, points, cap, condenser and the engine started first time and now runs extremely well with no smoke! I guess it is all part of the learning curve, but a big thanks to the forum for all the assistance and knowledge, I am now a regular user of the forum.

[PeterCrespin]

All sorted a running very well! I am now a regular user of the forum.

And hopefully a convert to how much abuse these tough, rumbling, old XK mills will take and still come back for second helpings. Enjoy, and spoil the old girl from time to time.

Pete

[Tony]

Good news indeed and well done for reporting back what the problem was. Its amazing that people have problems but never report back what the actual problem and solution was.

I think the dip stick problem should be a sticky in own right, the number of times it catches people out. Again it was Christopher who help me when I had my dipstick problem. (sounds a bit rude that?)

[simong]

Thanks everyone, just going out for run before it starts raining.