Managed to kill the car ...

if it before the end of the month my hands are spare no mechanical expert but i do anything thats needed

Speaking from experience, and knowning the C20ne engine like the back of my hand I can guarantee if water is "Gushing" from the rear of the head then the Gasket Has'nt blown, more like a possible cracked block.

Are you sure you have'nt froze the engine ????

If you have, it could also be a Knackered Core Plug, especially if the block was to freeze, even just a small amount of build up of ice in the water ways will definately push a core plug out on a C20NE.

If, it was the head, suggestions would say, after all the work that went into fitting a new gasket, all new parts fitted when replaced, and the fact we found a few problems and tell tale signs that there has been some "head trouble" in the past, I would start looking for either (1) a new Engine or (2) a New Truck !!!!

Sorry to be the bearer of bad tiding, especially so close into the new year.

Sounds like your cooling system could have froze up initiating all this damage.
You will need to check for cracks during strip down

When we did the gasket last time, we found that there was a few lose headbolts on the rear of the head and there had been work done to several of the hydraulic lifters as well, some where obvioulsy different that the others, maybe new or second hand, we just dont know.

So the head gasket, if replaced again would be the thrid time as far as we know.

After all the cost, and time involved in replacing the head again, such as Skimming, if possible, may have already been done before, pressure testing and new bolts, head set and labour and still no guarantee it will be all fine and dandy.

Then a second hand engine would be my prefered choice, anywhere from £100 - £200, plus hoist hire and a weekend fitting.

Or like I also said, a New truck for £400-£500 off Fley bay with MOT and Tax. Should be able to make a good one from all the parts of two trucks.

sounds like a plan

I've had a look around - no c20ne engines going, and people want stupid money for Frontys on fleabay at the moment

The current trend of trucks going for cheap wont go, hang in there I bet you can get a cheapy soon enough.

Found these
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vauxhall-Frontera ... dZViewItem

Go mad

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/c20seh-2-0-8v-sri ... dZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/c20xej-redtop-2-0 ... dZViewItem

If after a new truck as Alex says give it a week or two and a pearler will come along at a low price :wink:

or this one...been up for ages....

viewtopic.php?f=51&t=19315

ive got a superb 2.o engine but i promised to hold it for postfinder :roll:

Be quick

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VAUXHALL-FRONTERA ... dZViewItem

or
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VAUXHALL-FRONTERA ... dZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1996-VAUXHALL-FRO ... dZViewItem

This looks good

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VAUXHALL-FRONTERA ... dZViewItem

Just to tempt you, if you see any my way let me know :wink:

Ok ... so the good news is that it's not the head gasket - the engine popped a core plug at the back, hence the dump of water. I have the plug, and instructions on how to refit it ... so all being well that part will be fixed soon!

Blimey - talk about the ups and downs of a roller coaster ride.

Don't forget the photos for a How To - I don't think we've had a core plug done before.

Lawrence

Bit old fashioned but I was taught to always paint the inside of core plugs with Red Hermitite & let it dry prior to fitting.
Then apply same to outer edge of plug & to seating prior to insertion.

whats antifreeze really must put some more in the fronty before i run it

Reading this thread it does sond like it froze the block and with the initial start it ripped the camshaft gear off the woodruff key,rember if you are renewing the engine it wiil not lift straight out if the g/box is still in,can only be done if the head is removed as me and bobster know all to well :wink:

so it might be cheaper to strip it for parts and buy a new one.