740SE Estate - is it worth getting the head done?

whittonwanderer · Oct 14th, 2018, 15:47

Hi - I have a 1989 740 SE Estate with 107K that I have owned since '91 which has (I think) head gasket issues.
There is no water getting into the oil but I reckon there is into the cylinder. I can see white residue at the front of the engine down the left of the block. Steam comes from the exhaust occasionally once warm and it was overheating after about 15 miles. It needs coolant regularly. I have used 2x Steel Seal with limited success so don't want to go further with that so as to protect the waterways etc.
Overall the condition is not bad aside from..... headlining fabric rotting, fuel gauge not working, electric sunroof jammed (hey ho!) and driving lights fuse holder melted. MOT OK and expecting another pass in Dec.
Given I am not confident anymore in DIY car repairs, is it worth getting a mechanic to fix the head problem? If so, cost estimate? and where should I start to look for a suitable mechanic. Naturally not looking to pay huge sums!!Location near Heathrow.
p.s. I am not worried about the other issues; just whether it's worth getting the head done as I read the models are getting rarer.

Oct 14th, 2018, 15:47	#1
whittonwanderer New Member Last Online: Oct 15th, 2018 15:44 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Twickenham	740SE Estate - is it worth getting the head done? Hi - I have a 1989 740 SE Estate with 107K that I have owned since '91 which has (I think) head gasket issues. There is no water getting into the oil but I reckon there is into the cylinder. I can see white residue at the front of the engine down the left of the block. Steam comes from the exhaust occasionally once warm and it was overheating after about 15 miles. It needs coolant regularly. I have used 2x Steel Seal with limited success so don't want to go further with that so as to protect the waterways etc. Overall the condition is not bad aside from..... headlining fabric rotting, fuel gauge not working, electric sunroof jammed (hey ho!) and driving lights fuse holder melted. MOT OK and expecting another pass in Dec. Given I am not confident anymore in DIY car repairs, is it worth getting a mechanic to fix the head problem? If so, cost estimate? and where should I start to look for a suitable mechanic. Naturally not looking to pay huge sums!!Location near Heathrow. p.s. I am not worried about the other issues; just whether it's worth getting the head done as I read the models are getting rarer.

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