Overheating/won't start

Just been rescued by AA, lost power, steam from expansion tank, wouldn't restart, query headgasket? Feels like lack of compression on turning over, suggests greater engine problem?

You need to determine if you have any split water hoses,particularly the one at the back of the engine. But yes you may have a cooked engine from what you say.

Does that equal new engine? Top end?

First find out where the water went and why it overheated then spark plugs out and a compression check done, sounds like at least the cylinder head may have to be removed.

Not necessarily new engine. The head will need to be checked, probably warped so it will need machining. The crankcase will also need to be checked for straightness, and there is a probability the cylinder hones are gone, so re-honing and new piston rings will be needed.

I've a couple of spare 20vt engines here if you need one. Surrey.

This is a VIS, I imagine there would need to be quite a few other bits needed to fit a 20VT

If it over heated well in to the red the ring are fried, carry out a compression test, results need to be 200+psi for the n/a.

Thanks Joe, how available are parts for 20v? Do you carry them?
With hindsight I see that all was not well, I've only driven about 70miles in total in this car so when it stopped at a roundabout I assumed I'd stalled it, it restarted and about 4miles later steam started coming from around driver side wheel arch.

New rings, gaskets etc are all available, it's a pretty straight forward repair, head off, sump off, rods/pistons out, glaze bust the bores, pressure test, inspect and skim head, rebuild with new rings.

And then in the afternoon...

.........test drive of course

Alas time moves a little slower down here in Dorset! Just had view from the local garage they haven't taken the head off yet but are recommending replacing the engine as it is a cheaper option. They are estimating "thousands" for the rebuild. Even if I could find an engine I have no way of knowing it's condition/history etc, mine had a good history and had only done 64k so I'm reluctant to scrap it.
The garage are sympathetic and are willing to send the engine to a specialist and have suggested seeking advice from you guys.
I guess some idea of a rebuild cost based on the damage envisaged would be a helpful starting point and the cost of a 20v VIS engine if one were available.

Repairing it or replacing I'd say you'd be looking at around £3k, it can be resolved without taking the engine out of the bay but I'd certainly ask the garage to confirm the compression readings before making a decision.

Thanks Joe, If the cost is the same what would your advice be? What sort of engine would I be getting for this sort of money? Reconditioned?

When you get a minute give me a call, easier to chat over the phone, 01684 593187