Carnival/sedona Head Gasket Issue (link included)

[Carnivore]

Hello you all,

I recently bought a 2000 Carnival, which complements my 1999 Sephia. I love the Carnival, despite the engine issue. For those who wanted to learn more about the head gasket issue, this is an excellent link to learn about it. I had read hundreds of posting about head gaskets, but none really explain it as good as this one. Also make sure you read the related links too.
Blown Head Gasket
all the best

Carnivore

[Murphwiz]

Only downside is, if it's the 2.5 V6 engine, then it's very very rarely a head gasket.

[len1266]

The majority of the so called head gasket probllems are in the 2.5 v6,is caused by the cylinder liners not having the correct clearances thus causing the head gasket to leak oil into the coolant.It's actually a manufacturing fault with this engine.

[Carnivore]

Thanks for the input,

What is the best way to rectify the problem before it happen? Mine is 96000 km and the exhaust smells bad, but no smoke at all. Machine the top of the cylinder off?
Thanks

[hilo]

Does anyone know where the thermostat is located on the 2.5 Carni? Is it on the inlet or the outlet side?
I was reading an article on the Rover K series 4 cylinder engine which has the thermostat on the inlet side and it was recommonding an external thermostat be installed.

[Classic boy]

Originally Posted by Carnivore

Thanks for the input,

What is the best way to rectify the problem before it happen? Mine is 96000 km and the exhaust smells bad, but no smoke at all. Machine the top of the cylinder off?
Thanks

They all didn't fail, but unfortunately for some about 30% did.
The best way is to look after the car correctly and change the coolant in accordance with the servicing schedule.
My 2000 carnival classic 2.5 V6 petrol engine which I purchased new is still going strong after 6 years and 120,000kms with no issues.
But I am religious about servicing and following the scheduled laid down by the manufacturer.

If mine does go I am going to skim the heads and reset the liner heights using shims from the diesel motor industry and obviously I fit the latest gasket design. But so far so good.

[Murphwiz]

2.5 thermostat is under the inlet manifold between the V