26-06-2023, 07:22 AM
(This post was last modified: 26-06-2023, 07:29 AM by Andy Bennett.)
There isn't a 'seeping' direct route from a failing head gasket for cooling water to come through the spark plug hole other than via the cylinder itself and if that is the route then best not run the engine as a cylinder filling with water is going to end badly for the engine under compression. You would also know quickly as you probably wouldn't be firing smoothly on all cylinders. It is more usual to see bubbling around a head stud as the sign of a leaking or failing gasket as there isn't much gasket between some of the water ways and their closest head studs.
If it is just water dropping onto the engine then the bubbling might well be it simply boiling off as the engine warms very quickly here.
A quick removal of the offending spark plug and a look down the bore will give you first indication of whether or not you have a major problem, then compression testing of the cylinders will show you if you have any variability and so possibly a failing gasket. This is a good test to do anyway if you are in effect running a car that hasn't been used for a while.
Oh and welcome to the world of Austin Sevens. It sounds as if you may benefit from joining your local club and asking a friendly member to give the car a look over.
If it is just water dropping onto the engine then the bubbling might well be it simply boiling off as the engine warms very quickly here.
A quick removal of the offending spark plug and a look down the bore will give you first indication of whether or not you have a major problem, then compression testing of the cylinders will show you if you have any variability and so possibly a failing gasket. This is a good test to do anyway if you are in effect running a car that hasn't been used for a while.
Oh and welcome to the world of Austin Sevens. It sounds as if you may benefit from joining your local club and asking a friendly member to give the car a look over.
Enjoy yourself, it's later than you think!