Cylinder head gasket gone?

nealefloyd

nealefloyd

Member
Hi!Once again I have recourse to ask the knowledgeable here for some advice.On checking my oil dipstick I discovered some milky residue and on removing the engine oil cap the dreaded gunge is on there too.This means the head gasket is blown,right?I haven't done this sort of job in years and was just wondering how difficult it is to remove the head and replace the gasket?I have a 2003 S.E1.4 petrol engine car.Any advice would be greatly appreciated before I buy parts or start the job.Many thanks in advance.
 
Sorry to hear this. :(
Could you add some photos please so we may see what your seeing your end?
 
Given that it is still a cold time of year couldn't that be accumulated condensation rather than an actual head gasket issue? Are there any other symptoms - regular loss of coolant etc. ?
 
As Andrew says I would definitely do more checks first. Do you do regular short (under 5m) journeys? Have you had any overheating issues, coolant loss?
 
Robin_Cox said:
Given that it is still a cold time of year couldn't that be accumulated condensation rather than an actual head gasket issue? Are there any other symptoms - regular loss of coolant etc. ?
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I never thought of that.Yes,I only use the car to go about a mile to work and rarely does it get up to temperature fully.We have another more modern car which I also use so some times "Andy" can sit for a week or more.Strangely,there are no coolant leaks and the car starts,runs,ticks over fine.
 

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nealefloyd said:
Thanks,Mac,you've given me hope!
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Worthwhile pointing out that my student car - a 2CV - used to suffer from this from October until around Easter, being only used to get from my flat to the teaching hospital and back, and I would cycle or walk once the weather got better. As that car didn't have liquid coolant at all that led me to guess you're suffering the same symptoms.
 
PlasticMac said:
Just take out for an hour's spin, check that the temperature gets to 90C. Get it nice and warm.
When was the oil last changed?
Mac.
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Did so this afternoon and just now returning from work.Cleaned filler cap etc and will check tomorrow.Changed oil and filter last spring but I only do about 13 to 1500 mlies every year.Fingers crossed it is just condensation.!
 
I would remove and clean out the oil separator. If this is already full then the moisture ( condensation ) has no way of being taken out of the oil. Short trips are lethal as nothing fully warms through. This also increases wear on the exhaust catalysts.

Check it out before you have trouble codes and more expensive repairs.

You know the conditions you are using the car so you MUST adjust what preventative and routine maintenance is performed.

Wold also suggest you find a longer route to drive and take it for a long trip more often. Low mileage on a car means nothing if it has been driven under less than ideal conditions.
 
Yep classic case of condensation in the oil filler neck leaving the 'smeg'🤢 like residue under the cap. Happens all the time with Porsche 996/997 models
 
nealefloyd said:
Just to say a massive thank you to everyone that took the trouble to reply!My car seems ok after giving it several long blasts.You all saved me time and money.Brilliant!!
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so a bit of an "Italian tune up" every few weeks is clearly recommended. Really glad to hear that things have worked out!
 
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