[xj40] Is this a headgasket leak? then what?

XJ40
1

From time to time engine had a slight miss on start up. Lately it
happened more often. Knew ignition and plugs were fine. Thought
perhaps it was injector. Yesterday wife said the light for coolant
came on. Today I checked and topped it up although the temp gauge
never rose.

Well this afternoon wife called on cell phone that she pulled over
and parked because a cloud of white smoke was obvious in rearview
mirror.

I arrive and check oil and it looked just fine, no evidence of
water. Checked coolant and sure enough it had gone down. Tailpipe
did not show water. Cranked engine and it locked up. So must be
water in a cylinder. It is xj40 1993 with 135,000 miles and ran
quite good otherwise.

So I am not too inclined to tackle the whole job and hope I can
prevail on a friend mechanic to rescue me. I presume it best not
to even find which cylinder and clear water out. Just tow it to its
infirmry do the surgery.

I know there is probably plenty on the archives on this but just
looking for sympathy and helpful suggestions. For example what else
to do with the valves, etc.? and other things to look for. I am
hoping head is ok. Thanks for any reinforcing counsel. Larry–
LarryWard '93XJ40 '81MBZ300TD '95 Dodge4x4 CTD
modesto, ca., United States
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2

In reply to a message from LaJagy sent Thu 16 Apr 2009:

I would pull all the spark plugs and crank it over to blow as much
water out of the wet cylinder as possible, just to keep as much
water out of the oil as I can. Otherwise, water will leak down
past the rings into the oil.
While the head is off, have your mechanic hand lap the valves and
renew the stem seals. Don’t automatically grind the valve because
that will require resorting the tappet shims. The valve faces are
hardened as are the seats.–
The original message included these comments:

So I am not too inclined to tackle the whole job and hope I can
prevail on a friend mechanic to rescue me. I presume it best not
to even find which cylinder and clear water out. Just tow it to its
infirmry do the surgery.
I know there is probably plenty on the archives on this but just
looking for sympathy and helpful suggestions. For example what else
to do with the valves, etc.? and other things to look for. I am
hoping head is ok. Thanks for any reinforcing counsel. Larry

–
Pete Peterson 70E(193K) 88 XJ40(250K) 88 XJ40(239K) 94 XJ40
Severna Park, Maryland, United States
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