Blown Head Gasket Symptoms

As the title says - What are the usual blown head gasket symptoms on a 955? As I understand it the easiest one to 'find' is that the engine either won't start or will idle really roughly. Probably in conjunction with 'mayonnaise' under the oil filler cap and oil in the coolant. Are there any others? I am interested in a 955 that 'overheats' but the seller can't or won't be any more specific other than it takes about 2-3 miles to start overheating. My thoughts initially that it is probably the thermostat stuck shut and maybe the water pump is not working so well. I am ok with pulling things apart and putting them back together so I can do most things so am tempted to buy it and put it back to working order!

 

Would have to be very cheap if you buy it. Those are the usual symptoms can’t think of any more.
With the owner being so inspecific as to what it’s symptoms are I would say walk away from it

 

"Overheats"
Yes that's another head gasket symptom, but nowt written in stone could be thermostat as you said, again as mentioned oil in the water or vice versa.
Owner is unspecific or does he actually know, you'll have to guage that face to face

 

Yes well I have a MG TF with the K series engine. They all overheat or so folklore would have it. A lot of the time it is just the coolant tank cap that is knackered! The bike is fairly cheap but I will see if I can elicit some more info.

 

Seems you know the way ahead, Aim for very cheap instead of fairly

 

Yes I know what you mean! Plus when short in stature you have to stand on a box just to even reach the head!

 

Excuse me, one minute gaskets then !!!!

 

In addition to what's already mentioned: A garage should have equipment for measuring for HC gases (hydrocarbon) in the coolant tank. Also, pull the plugs and look for one or more steam cleaned plugs.

 

If by overheating do you mean the gauge is reading high or coolant level raising and overflowing? If it' the latter try new rad cap. If it' reading high I would try the sender. Rare that head gaskets go so go for a cheap and poss easy fix.
Faulty rad cap is very common and very cheap. Buy genuine not pattern too.

 

As for 'cheap' is less than £500 for a 955i Sprint really cheap?

 

I am really tempted to buy it even without seeing it. Even with a 340 mile round trip!

 

THE FORUM'S SERIAL LOOKER. ANYONE MENTION A CHEAP BIKE,

 

Murderer

 

He's saying 340 mile round trip = 170 each way approx
Doesn't get you to Scotland !!! maybe North East again !!!!
Feckin no doubt right on your doorstep Good luck Jez

 

I am not saying....

 

I think my mind was already made before DD gave me a nudge! Update you as and when!

 

Ok well I’ve only gone and done it! I bought it so pick it up next week!

 

So I have picked it up, got it home and started it. Seemed to idle ok but didn’t run it for long as there was no coolant. The oil level looks a bit raised but the oil is cream in colour! I thought I’d check the plugs but don’t have a 18mm hex plug socket so got to get one. I am thinking it might be goosed water pump seals but it’s still a bit of a mystery.