GU 4.2L white steam coming from rad when cap off plus few other issues

[GUkate]

recently car got hot brought it home changed water pump, rad flush and check, changed thermostat, rad hoses. Just put her back together and from what I think the coolant is taking a bit to long to bleed BUT the cars not getting hot on the gauge. took it for a drive and it was fine. but when i pulled up top bleeder tank is emptied and bottom one is alot more fuller and slightly bubbling plus its spitted coolant up on the bonnet and down the guard . Oil isnt milky. but when i was bleeding the top tank there was white steam coming from out of it with cap off cold and hot.. It starts then doesnt.. hard to explain ill go to turn it on and you can hear the start just make a big clunk noise and thats it wont even try to start the car.. My suspicions is head gasket.
any help is appreciated..

[Bloodyaussie]

Mate we ask you head over to the intro section and say g'day..

You will find some very helpful people once you tell us a bit about yourself.

[GUkate]

sorry was in a rush trying to find a answer for my car.. just did it then

[happygu]

Hi GUKate,

I would also suggest that on the surface it appears to be the head gasket.

Mic

[Bloodyaussie]

Yeah sorry but sounds like a head gasket??

Not a cheap exercise on these beasts.

[GUkate]

yeah I think so to looks like im pulling it apart tomorrow.. will just need to get the bloody head out of the car somehow haha =l heard their heavy!!

[GUkate]

Mech came out head is warped =[ pull out this weekend and hope to god that bottom end is ok

[Bloodyaussie]

Best of luck mate..... these are great toys but can be very expensive if anything major goes wrong!!

Keep us updated to how it all goes.

[GUkate]

thought I'd let yous know what happened... Head is buggered about 10 cracks in it.. block needs a re sleeve.. not sure what way I wanna go either way completely gutted as it only had 300 000km on the clock..

[BigRAWesty]

Biggs mate. Not a happy ending.
I'd say do rebuild. Your up for a couple of grand to do it but you'll be paying $1500 for a second hand engine anyway.

Or (and my lips are on fire for saying this) you could bolt a crummydoor 5ltr in it...
Probably looking at closer to 5g once finished, but you'll have a power house.

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[Bloodyaussie]

Plenty of options but most involve a bit of coin but if you do it properly you will have a car that will go for bloody years as long as you service it well..

I would stretch the budget and fix it right rather than flog off for a fraction of it's worth!!! my two cents!!!

[threedogs]

Yeah, X 2 with Westy all depends on available funds which way you go. rebuild and NAD it, or 4.2td conversion or the old V8 chestnut.
Either way your back on the road, keep us informed

[GUkate]

No V8 dear god no haha I wanna keep some form of fuel efficiency and reliability for towing round 3 tonne.. according to the mech my motor was a dud from the start.. always used to run on really bad and nissan didnt do the head check they were meant to at 1000km.. Was called back numerous times from brand new for issues.. mine has the turbod 4.2 in it already.. So $1500 for a another motor is nearly impossible haha havent found anything under $3500.. My partner used to build motors for a living so rebuilding wont be that expensive hopefully pistons are still in good condition and so is the crank will ring mech today to get the bottom out of patrol.. I wouldnt be selling the whole car either

[BigRAWesty]

Yea good call on the v8.
If hubby is good with tools then rebuilds the way. You can pick up kits for around the 2g mark, or eBay for a bit less. Comes with everything you need.
Once new sleeves are installed the block need to have the head of the sleeves skimmed down, as they are made to sit slightly proud.
And a quick hone to ensure everything is true and round and your back building...

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[BigRAWesty]

Sorry, 2.4 for the turbo'd motor.
Might pay to ring around as I thought the td42 was the same right threw and na v turbo was a matter of head gasket differences.
Anywayhttp://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NISSAN-PATROL-GU-TD42T-FACTORY-TURBO-ENGINE-REBUILD-KIT-/140489330834

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[kevin07]

maybe im missing something what is making the mech say the bottom end is gone from what you have described its a typical blown head i dont see any other issues what was the motor doing before was it blowing oil or something else devious. when i was a young fella a mech told me my motor and gearbox in a hq was flogged out i sold it 4 years later with another 100000 on it, far as im concerned mechs are not to be trusted in some cases like plumbers sparkies whatever. kev

[GUkate]

from what I've read there are alot of differences in the 4.2 to the 4.2t.. the combustion chambers, piston rings are different and the crank is also different and I think to fit a 4.2T crank to a 4.2 block involves custom work? my block but is rebuilable I think I'd prefer to rebuild then buy a motor I have no idea about or where its been. Even better for me my partner works at Bursons so I can get a rebuild kit even cheaper then Ebay. Then atleast if Im starting fresh I know what Im dealing with. Whats the go with running them in but? do I get it dynod or just take it for a good hard drive with the float on around the mountains where i live?

[GUkate]

the bottom end is fine but needs a re sleeve.. head is stuffed over 10 cracks and also warped so needs a motor rebuild and new head

[nissannewby]

Rebuild it. A commodore v8 especially a 5L is a silly conversion and is a waste of time and money.

A td42 once rebuilt will last you another 500k no worries at all. The biggest cost is gonna be machine work but as you said your hubby should be able keep the prices down being in that industry.

It's a no brainer really. New head and rebuild. It's the most cost effective and best way to go about it.

[GUkate]

thanks everyone =]

[huey_gq]

I had to fully rebuild my gq's td42 and i had to get the bores re-sleeved and machined, new pistons, rings, bearings, gaskets. All the parts cost about $800. Machine work cost about another $700. All done through HM-Gem locally for me in Bendigo. I had to do all the pulling down and re assembly myself, which with the right manual and tools wasnt to bad. I am a fitter by trade so not by any means an engine buider but its been in the car for about 1500 k's now and hasnt missed a beat. So if your partner is willing to do some dirty work its well worth the savings of not having to pay a mechanic for the many hours of removal and rebuilding etc.