HGF on Clio?

[Terrorfex]

'Sup guys.

I've owned a second-hand Clio II (X-Reg) for about to months now, and it's been fine. A year ago its head gasket was replaced, and the cylinder head skimmed. I check the car's vitals at least once a week, and I've never noticed any problems.

This morning, I checked the oil to find the infamous "Mayonnaise" on the inside of the filler cap (Light mustard colour, thick, globbed).

I know this is usually a sign of HGF, but are there any other symptoms? I've noticed no loss of power, no overheating, the oil level remains consistent. Unless I'd noticed the gunk, I'd never even know I had a problem. Collant levels are untouched, with no puddles underneath the car of anything.

We've had some bitterly cold days recently in Perth - and the Car's driven only to work and back (about two miles) once a day and sat for at least five hours, sometimes fifteen, without going anywhere.

Any other thoughts, or has the Head Gasket failed -again-?

[andy-xr]

Take it out for a long run and the mayo will probably disappear, likely condensation

[DannyVTS]

I heard that continuous(sp) short trips in the car can give the old mayo under the cap! I think its to do with condensation?

(source: an old topic i remember reading on here, will try and find it!)

[eldar]

DannyVTS said:

I heard that continuous(sp) short trips in the car can give the old mayo under the cap! I think its to do with condensation?

(source: an old topic i remember reading on here, will try and find it!)

True, the top of the engine doesn't get hot enough stop water condensing inside the engine, usually top end, and the water mixes with the oil. Clean the filler cap, check the breather and go for a long run and see if it returns.

[Terrorfex]

Cheers for the response, lads. As for the breather, is that the air filter? (Sorry, you'll have to forgive my lack of knowledge. Not heard the term before ...)

[DannyVTS]

Terrorfex said:

Cheers for the response, lads. As for the breather, is that the air filter? (Sorry, you'll have to forgive my lack of knowledge. Not heard the term before ...)

There is an oil breather pipe coming out of your engine usualy goes towards the air box, i presume elder means check for condensation inside that? Not sure myself

Edited by DannyVTS on Saturday 20th November 17:47

[Chiswickboy]

Terrorfex said:

This morning, I checked the oil to find the infamous "Mayonnaise" on the inside of the filler cap (Light mustard colour, thick, globbed).



We've had some bitterly cold days recently in Perth - and the Car's driven only to work and back (about two miles) once a day and sat for at least five hours, sometimes fifteen, without going anywhere.

You have asked the question and given the answer in one posting.

Providing that the coolant is clean and there is no loss of coolant or the oil level increases, the mayonnaise is caused by condensation caused by the engine not getting hot enough.

Wipe the oil filler cap clean, go for a nice long run and give it an "Italian tune-up" and everything should be sorted. Do this regularly and also change your oil regularly each year rather by mileage.

[eldar]

DannyVTS said:

Terrorfex said:

Cheers for the response, lads. As for the breather, is that the air filter? (Sorry, you'll have to forgive my lack of knowledge. Not heard the term before ...)

There is an oil breather pipe coming out of your engine usualy goes towards the air box, i presume elder means check for condensation inside that? Not sure myself

Edited by DannyVTS on Saturday 20th November 17:47

Yeah, check its clear and not blocked by salad cream.