Oh Cock! Head gasket gone :(
Oh Cock! Head gasket gone :(
Author
Discussion

Jimm218

Original Poster:

205 posts

200 months

Tuesday 7th February 2012
quotequote all
Was going to take my cerb out for a play today before taking it to the Sunday Service this weekend. Checked the oil to discover some lovely mayo (but no chips).

I had no overheat and oil pressure has remained around 50. So I hope there won't be to much to worry about.

I'm after advice, help and experiences now.

I've done plenty of head gaskets before on Rover K-series including the VVC so I should be able to hanndle the spannering. Is there anything in particualar I should be looking out for with the AJP or any special tools that I may need? Also is there any way I can get hold of a rebuild manual? I see that it is supposed to be an engine out job, what is it that won't come apart otherwise?

If anyone would like to lend a hand it would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

whitewolf

751 posts

192 months

Tuesday 7th February 2012
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Is it definate Hgf and not how oil cooling in this cold weather?? My corsa does this. Hope it not for you :/

ukkid35

6,399 posts

199 months

Tuesday 7th February 2012
quotequote all
Check out my Impossible Top End Rebuild thread, it's not easy, and I didn't get everything right, but it is possible even with minimal experience and expertise.

scotty_d

6,795 posts

220 months

Tuesday 7th February 2012
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Have you been losing water?

Tanguero

4,535 posts

227 months

Tuesday 7th February 2012
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If you have no other symptoms apart from mayonnaise in the filler cap it is probably only condensation in the oil and not the head gasket. It would be well worth doing an exhaust gas test for the coolant and a compression check before panicking.

scotty_d

6,795 posts

220 months

Wednesday 8th February 2012
quotequote all
Tanguero said:
If you have no other symptoms apart from mayonnaise in the filler cap it is probably only condensation in the oil and not the head gasket. It would be well worth doing an exhaust gas test for the coolant and a compression check before panicking.
I agree go through all the motions as above first.

Jimm218

Original Poster:

205 posts

200 months

Wednesday 8th February 2012
quotequote all
It looks pretty horrible in there! I will make the normally checks before ripping it apart. Are these engines prone to heavy condensation? I've been using it a couple of times a week but often only for 3 mile trips to work.

uk- I have been looking at your thread and I can see it being very helpful. You don't by chance have a copy of teh engine rebuild manual I could beg or borrow do you?

Tanguero

4,535 posts

227 months

Wednesday 8th February 2012
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On short trips they do tend to suffer from condensation, yes.

carsy

3,019 posts

191 months

Wednesday 8th February 2012
quotequote all
3 mile trips, it`ll make that much mayo you will be able to bottle the stuff. Bet you are ok.

Jimm218

Original Poster:

205 posts

200 months

Wednesday 8th February 2012
quotequote all
Your making hopeful noises. May be its ok but its an awful mess! Will need an oil change at least.

Wombat3

14,794 posts

232 months

Wednesday 8th February 2012
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As above, quite likely just condensation. You need a "block tester" kit to see if there are emissions in the coolant - ISTR buying one off e-bay, not that expensive.

Good luck.

gruffalo

8,123 posts

252 months

Wednesday 8th February 2012
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I would take it to STR8SIX as you are in Oxfordshire and get them to test it, they have all the equipment and knowledge to let you know what is happening.

Jimm218

Original Poster:

205 posts

200 months

Wednesday 8th February 2012
quotequote all
Been out in the cold having a look over the car.

Tested the water and there is no sign of exhaust gas going through it. So plus one on that. I haven't done a compression test but it was running fine so I think I can rule out a loss of compression. (I will probably check at the weekend when I get my compression tester back).

I had to top up the water. Put about a litre in. However, I do still have a small water leak from the bottom rad hose so that doesn't tell me a lot!

Here are some pics of the mayo. Sorry for the quality but its cold and dark out there!




You can see a pool of water in the bottom of the filler neck. It is clear, so could be condensation and not coolant.



How does that compare to other people experiences with condensation?

ukkid35

6,399 posts

199 months

Wednesday 8th February 2012
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Jimm218 said:
uk- I have been looking at your thread and I can see it being very helpful. You don't by chance have a copy of teh engine rebuild manual I could beg or borrow do you?
The most important thing I said in that thread is:

"What I would suggest to anyone else who contemplates this job is: Try everything else first."

YHM

Jimm218

Original Poster:

205 posts

200 months

Wednesday 8th February 2012
quotequote all
I shall be looking for any options other than ripping the engine out! Never something I take on lightly but if needs must...

I have replied to your message smile

ridds

8,367 posts

270 months

Thursday 9th February 2012
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Check your header tank.

Change the oil and filter.

Start and drive for a while preferably in a lot of standing traffic! Park up and then let it get hot and control the engine temp on the fans.

The oil cooler really overcools the oil this time of year and you will end up with a lot of condensation in the oil if you only do short trips.

ukkid35

6,399 posts

199 months

Thursday 9th February 2012
quotequote all
ridds said:
The oil cooler really overcools the oil this time of year and you will end up with a lot of condensation in the oil if you only do short trips.
How come there's no thermostat? Weird.