300e intermittent problem,,,water into cylinders??

[gt-83]

this problem is so predictable but im not sure whats happening, my old 300e runs fine if its used every day, doesnt miss a beat,its done 218000 miles, , leave for a week, and it starts fine, runs fine for 6 miles every time then really starts to run like a pig, lumping under load very violently, i can put it in park and rev it to red line no problem, put back in drive try to pull away and the chugging starts, pushing the pedal to the floor gets round it and it goes like a train, untill the next set of lights!!,,,,,heres my water thoughts.........in drive with left foot on brake when its lumping, increase revs and white smoke from exhaust?,,,,,,,,,,after a few miles of terrible driving it then runs fine again, and if i used it every day it would never happen again, but it is every single time its left for a short while,,,,,could it be water in the cylinders if so how the hell does it get it and how can i stop it below is a list of bits ive tried to stop it (at first i thought this was ignition problems)
plugs,leads,dizzy cap,rotor arm,coil..........then fuel filters, and fuel distributor.................oh and its getting worse every time if this means anything

 

[recycled]

Sound like a gasket fault. it drives fine after the water has boiled off.
then drives rough when it is trying to compress fuel, air, and water.
to be sure you have to do a sniff test or a compression test

 

[gt-83]

oh dear,,,,,,i tried not to think of that

 

[recycled]

I know i have one on mine at [present, only mine is leaking down the engine side and not into the engine.
this started after the water pump leaked and mysteriously stopped leaking.
I just top up every 2 weeks and go on.

 

[gt-83]

probably the end of the old girl then

 

[recycled]

Yes,. i have decided to drive mine into the ground before part ex or auctioning it off as we have set money aside for a newer one.
The only problem is the car just refuses to die and just goes on and on.

 

[jpskiller]

but if you think the car is worth it, couldent you do a head gasket change?

 

[gt-83]

er, im ok with a few spanners, but always thought this is out of my talent range..........and with 218000 on it is it worth a hefty bill to fix it,,,,saying that i am attatched to this old girl

 

[recycled]

it will cost about £500. and 2 days
if you are doing it yourself, it may take more.
you will need to change all the oil, coolant and filter and get the right torque for the head bolts. too tight is just as bad as too loose.
Me i can not be bothered.
It is just a car after all and it is the wifes anyway.

When i had a peugeot, it only took two months before the car finally died with the faulty gasket.
This one is just going on and on with no signs of giving up.

 

[Ian B Walker]

probably the end of the old girl then

Its never the end, just the beginning. Depends on how much you love her. 218k? just about run in then.

but if you think the car is worth it, couldent you do a head gasket change?

Paul did, I have a post in progress on a head change on your very car.

 

[gt-83]

i think ive decided.......yes i do love the old girl......i will have to study your post and do it myself.........

 

[Ian B Walker]

I am always on the end of a phone if you get stuck or need verbal help.

 

[gt-83]

thats very kind of you...........i may take you up on that........

 

[gt-83]

sorry to harp on with this, but why is it that if i use the car daily, it never happens, surely the gasket fault would allow water in at anytime?, im not doubting anyone here, just trying to understand, can anyone explain please

 

[recycled]

because when the car is off the cooling system is not pressurised.
when you put the car on. the high pressure now forces water around the system.
the water only flows in when the car is under high pressure.
To be sure mate, open you filler cap and your oil cover cap.
if you see any gunk in there like brown/cream mayonnaise then it is a gasket.
when you drive it and leave it for a short while, the cooling period from about 90degrees to cool down is when the water gets in most. or you an see it dripping down the side.
When you rev hard, you action forces the piston to compress and negate the water effect

 

[gt-83]

thanks for that quick reply..........just come in from the garage......there is no mix of oil and water at all, its all clean as it should be,,,,,,also i havnt topped up the water at all

 

[recycled]

then it might not be the gasket. but white exhaust smoke is steam. bad combustion will be black or blue.

 

[gt-83]

im completly lost on it...ive tried to think of everything,,,,water in the fuel tank?,

 

[recycled]

except you are constantly filling it with water, that will be a one off.

 

[gt-83]

thats true, i was thinking like condensation , im clutching at straws!!!