After receiving several posts about white smoke = coolant/water in the
combustion chamber and checking the cylinders, I fear that the head gasket
needs to be replaced. This would explain the wet plugs in cylinders 1 & 2
and the difficulty in "firing" upon start. This also explains why the car
smoked white a good bit until it warmed up. I have not done a compression
test of the cylinders YET as recommended, but intend to do so this weekend.
Fearing the worst, what is a "reasonable" estimate to have a head gasket
replaced for a 79 MGB:
1. just the gasket replaced =
2. replace the gasket and machine the head level =
3. replace gasket, machine head and replace rings =
Should I seek out (i) a "foreign car" mechanic, (ii) a machine shop or
(iii) an "MG mechanic" to do 1., 2. or 3., above?
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