Ford Ka MK1 Coolent flush - query and questions

[dishman]

OK, valve cover done!

Went went pretty well I think. Just slightly awkward getting it back on and wondering it is seated correctly.

I'm always paranoid about knocking some connection or damaging the ignition coil which is part of the valve cover.

The old gasket was not as bad as I expected, it was only slightly brittle in some areas, but it all came off in one piece and left no crap behind. But I could see where oil had been leaching past, it was worse in the areas of the engine that get hottest I think, near the spark plugs.

Everything looked in good condition to my untrained eye. No excessive old oil staining and the cams looked nice.

I assume it is best practice to let the new gasket bed in before turning over the engine. I just used the rubber gasket and did not apply any extra sealant. So I have no cure time as such, how long would you normally leave it before turning it over.

 

[Mottie]

Rubber gasket. You can start the engine straight away. Job done.

 

[dishman]

Hopefully it starts

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

After I posted that, I looked on a few forums that these bolts could be "stretch bolts"? A once torqued you can't re-use them type.

Or is this not the case or misinformation?

The cylinder head bolts, maybe the camshaft bolts, are stretch bolts, but definitely not the cam cover bolts - they are under little tension, and shouldn't be over tightened.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I assume it is best practice to let the new gasket bed in before turning over the engine. I just used the rubber gasket and did not apply any extra sealant.

As soon as done, you can start the engine. The sealant, just helps keep the gasket in place, whilst you locate the cover in place.

 

[dishman]

Some pictures!


First Look


A clean test




After a good clean


Underside of cover with old gasket

Engine has 40k on the clock.

Car started fine, and no issues on examination on just tickover

 

[dishman]

OK....next item...thought I'd get an opinion.

Car is about 16 years old now and only 40k on the clock. Gearbox seems in good condition, but I am thinking it is probably worth refreshing the gearbox oil while I am doing everything else

I have read that this can end up causing issues for high mileage/worn gearboxes (which I understand the reasoning behind). But, I don't think the transmission has been unduly punished in this, and it is more of an age of oil rather than mileage.

Just thought I'd canvass some opinion on the risk/reward doing this.

Thanks!

 

[Burnerman]

For sure, it won't do any harm but don't expect any differences either......gear selection or whatever will be exactly the same.
Use the same grade oil as the original, and do identify the drain plug and filling / oil level plug first, of course.
There aren't any risks in this case.
John

 

[Andydevon]

But make sure you can undo the gearbox fill plug before you drain the old oil out.

 

[carmanmemoranda]

But make sure you can undo the gearbox fill plug before you drain the old oil out.

And just as importantly can access it to get the new oil in

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

For sure, it won't do any harm but don't expect any differences either......gear selection or whatever will be exactly the same.
Use the same grade oil as the original, and do identify the drain plug and filling / oil level plug first, of course.
There aren't any risks in this case.

When I did mine, there was only a drain, and a fill, no level. The level had to be set, by measuring the amount of oil poured in. It made the gear change noticeably slicker.

 

[Burnerman]

Is the filling hole not the level then?
I seem to remember on the early Mk3 Escorts the drain was through the reverse gear indent, but can't comment on the Ka.
John

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Is the filling hole not the level then?
I seem to remember on the early Mk3 Escorts the drain was through the reverse gear indent, but can't comment on the Ka.

It wasn't on my car's gearbox.

 

[carmanmemoranda]

Is the filling hole not the level then?
I seem to remember on the early Mk3 Escorts the drain was through the reverse gear indent, but can't comment on the Ka.
John

Yes

 

[dishman]

Not sure there is a level line. I was just going to measure what comes out and put the same amount back in.
My workshop guide does not show the diagram of the drain and fill locations, so i have to work that out. And yes, I have educated myself already on the need to check the fill valve/nut before draining!