Head Gasket or what?

[hannivers]

Got a EL111 that has very slight creaming under oil filler cap, no steam showing out exhaust, noticable power loss, motor sounds ok when revved above 2000 rpm, idles ok but misses, like running on 3 cylinders or less when driven, recently driven 200 klms at 70-80klm per hr, got there but was shaking all over, used about 1 litre coolant, no oil lost, motor seems to produce no oil smoke, no knocks or bad sounds, starts easy, takes off ok with uneven shaking of engine. Don't know much about previous condition or history, purchased it cheap because the owner just wanted it out of his shed, vehicle is a good looking unit with usual defects to bumper & interior. Before I pull it down and try to possibly rebuild it I decided to ask if other have experienced same, my first impression was Head Gasket, Cracked Head or something worse. looking forward to your good advices. I am really keen to restore this one, it's got super quite transmission and must have had a quite life before this problem appeared.

[Shambles]

I would check the spark plugs and leads first.

I'm assuming you added coolant mixed with water. Is the fluid lost due to a leak? high temp? worn radiator cap? buggered/worn water pump.

shambles

[MightyMouse]

Go to a radiator joint and they can test it for you. They can detect the presense of exhaust gas in the cooling water which will confim your suspicion.

May even be able to get a test kit form Repco/Supercheap but that's a guess.

[hannivers]

Will follow both Mightymouse & Shambles good advices first thing in the morning, very keen to get this problem sorted out, thanks guys for providing a better course of action, best regards from Randell

[murcod]

Try removing your spark plugs and checking the condition of them. If you're running green coolant you'll possibly find one is very clean with a slight green tinge to it.... If just water look for the "steam cleaned" plug- it will stand out.

[hannivers]

Well Guys your good advices have solved this problem, today I checked out leads plugs, dissi cap and more, to my surprise I found one spark plug was completely dead, wet with fuel, so replaced full set, one ignition lead was also almost dead, possibly yanked in the past causing it to fail. Got vehicle running on all cylinders adjusted idle, she's real sweet now, as for coolant worry, creamish residue has disapeared and there is no evident water loss, on speaking with owner I was told that car has been in a shed for past 6 months, enjoyed driving it today, will keep close watch on coolant and special thanks to all those people whom have supplied such practical suggestions, great support, many thanks to all, regards from Randell