a new head gasket for my 505?

[award]

Hi

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I interested in getting some opinions on a situation I've got with my '85 505 GTi. Having bought it cheaply, I now realise why; according to the Peugeot specialist mechanic I've taken it to, it only starts on 3 cylinders and needs a new head gasket (or possibly a new head). He has suggested the repair will cost a lttle over $1500. I paid $1800 for the car and I'm not sure whether it's worth the investment. My fault for not checking the car out more thoroughly first of course , but none the less, I have to make a decision. The car has done about 280,000 kms and is looks reasonably good. Any comments are appreciated.

[Gamma]

Not that long ago I had the head gasket on my 86 505 GTI done because there was a slight oil leak, (not blown).
With a head service, ($270) and labour included, it cost around $700. (I will check my receipts as I think I had other things done as well, It may be as low as $500).
At $1500 I would expect a brand new head out of the box.
So long as the motor has been looked after 280ks is not that much for a 505 and might be good for another 100 thou or more.

Even if they have to machine the head and replace the odd valve, a grand $$$ is about as much as I would expect to pay.

DIY????? But be prepared to get ripped off be the head service people, unless you have contacts, (they can and do charge twice the trade price).

[PCOATES505]

Hi

I interested in getting some opinions on a situation I've got with my '85 505 GTi. Having bought it cheaply, I now realise why; according to the Peugeot specialist mechanic I've taken it to, it only starts on 3 cylinders and needs a new head gasket (or possibly a new head). He has suggested the repair will cost a lttle over $1500. I paid $1800 for the car and I'm not sure whether it's worth the investment. My fault for not checking the car out more thoroughly first of course , but none the less, I have to make a decision. The car has done about 280,000 kms and is looks reasonably good. Any comments are appreciated.

Hi
When you say it starts on 3 cylinders, does it continue to run on 3 cyl or does it smooth out fairly quickly. This is a common problem on STI's and can be caused by injectors leaking fuel when engine stopped, or pressure regulator leaking down, both cause the car to start on 3 cylinders. The Gti has a different injection system, but perhaps can suffer the same problem.
Regards Pete

[award]

Hi
When you say it starts on 3 cylinders, does it continue to run on 3 cyl or does it smooth out fairly quickly. This is a common problem on STI's and can be caused by injectors leaking fuel when engine stopped, or pressure regulator leaking down, both cause the car to start on 3 cylinders. The Gti has a different injection system, but perhaps can suffer the same problem.
Regards Pete

My lack of real mechanical knowledge puts me at a disadvantage when dealing with mechanics. He tells me that it is starting on 3 cylinders, but yes, as you say, it does run very smoothly once the engine temperature has risen. I had thought the rough start was down to a vacuum leak, but I don't know enough to be sure. The place I've taken it to seem to specialise in French cars, and the mechanic certainly seems to know what he's talking about. He did say that he wanted to do a thorough job, which included replacing seals to minimise oil leaks. There aren't a lot of choices in terms of repairers in Perth.

[Westair]

Did you get readings on compression or cylinder leakage.
I heard that car run at car yard and and it started well though it haf probably been running before I tried it.
There are quite few good European mechanics around Perth.

[Wildebeest]

Hi

I interested in getting some opinions on a situation I've got with my '85 505 GTi. Having bought it cheaply, I now realise why; according to the Peugeot specialist mechanic I've taken it to, it only starts on 3 cylinders and needs a new head gasket (or possibly a new head). He has suggested the repair will cost a lttle over $1500. I paid $1800 for the car and I'm not sure whether it's worth the investment. My fault for not checking the car out more thoroughly first of course , but none the less, I have to make a decision. The car has done about 280,000 kms and is looks reasonably good. Any comments are appreciated.

I don't recall if there is a high incidence of head failure ie corrosion with the 505 "Douvrin". Unlike the early 2litre.
So if all other possibilities have been eliminated by your mechanic ie fuel and ignition and the frequent need to top up coolant[?], you may find it to be simply a head gasket.
His suggestion to "replace seals" would be done as part of the job except for crankshaft seal.