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[bobk]

I would appreciate any thoughts on this problem as I’m unsure if I’ve got a head gasket problem or not.

My 3ltr elite (1998) has just had the rocker gaskets changed, then got the engine management light on, checked the codes, quite a few but in doing so got a bit mixed up. So done them again now only three codes 19, 59 and 48 ?. Two weeks later I notice that on pulling away from a roundabout there was lots of steam from the back.  At the next junction after a couple of minutes on tick over, lots of steam.

Checking the header tank it seems to be pressurising, Steam/heavy vapour from Both exhausts.  Have read a post by JamesV6CDX on head gaskets which says that its more liable to be down to other things possibly heater bypass valve. Could this be the case (hoping) if so how do I check it.  Sorry it’s long winded
Bobk

[TheBoy]

Unlikely to be HG.

Crank sensor on way out, but unrelated.

Check for cooling system leaks first...

[iainb]

I think you just need an oil change and filter.
If you do mainly short journeys the gung isnt being burn off and on these cooler days its steaming.Look at the oil filer neck if you see white mayo looking goo, thats the stuff that blocks up the breathers and caused you to change the cam cover gaskets. Take for a blast down the A46 that will clear it.
 Regular oil change cant beat it  

[bobk]

No leaks on cooling system. What make you say the crank sensor is on the way out?.

[bobk]

No goo on oil filler, oil ok not milky. when i say steam from exhaust, I mean lots of steam.

[snackeroo]

What make you say the crank sensor is on the way out?.

Code 19 is crank sensor fault.

[iainb]

Are you loosing any oil or water ?

[bobk]

On a sheet i've got 19 is incorrect RPM signal, which I thought came up because the engine wasn't running. Is this correct or am i being dumb. also is there anything other than a HG that could cause pressure in the cooling system.

[bobk]

Are you loosing any oil or water ?

No oil loss, but with header tank cap off a quick rev and the water come up and floods out.

[iainb]

No & NO
Run your engine with the expansion tank cap off and look for bubbles.
Bubbles = head gasket probabley
No bubbles gasket ok.

[TheBoy]

On a sheet i've got 19 is incorrect RPM signal, which I thought came up because the engine wasn't running. Is this correct or am i being dumb. also is there anything other than a HG that could cause pressure in the cooling system.

19 is a failing crank sensor that will leave you stuffed at the most inconvenient time possible. Been there, done that, now (like many v6 owners) carry a spare  

[TheBoy]

do you lose coolant?

steam is normal, and more visible with cold mornings. Sign of good combustion

[iainb]

No oil loss, but with header tank cap off a quick rev and the water come up and floods out



DONT REV IT
only light blip

[bobk]

No & NO
Run your engine with the expansion tank cap off and look for bubbles.
Bubbles = head gasket probabley
No bubbles gasket ok.

Could be daft or something but whats puzzling me is that I've got lots of steam/vapor coming out of both exhausts but with my limited knowledge hasn't the v6 got two separate heads and seperate exhausts?.

[iainb]

One cooling system.
2 heads
Exhaust has common back box (1 only)