Petrol smell with the coolant- Head gasket?
Discussion
2002 Fiat Punto 1.2 8V (Not mine, partner's car...)
I'm gradually going over it sorting its problems. I've given it a good service as it hasn't been serviced since she bought it over a year ago. New seatbelt for the rear as that was faulty. I'm about to put a new exhaust on it as it has a hole in the backbox and the centre pipe doesn't look great either.
Did the usual once over for fluid levels in the engine bay and noted that the coolant expansion tank smelt very strongly of petrol when I removed the cap. It was relatively windy outside so couldn't be isolated unless the nose was right over the neck of the tank.
Fluid loss since I topped it up last has been minimal I would say. Having said that, when I did top it up about a month and a half ago it was below the minimum line. I'm not aware if the car behaves any differently as the other half drives it and it useless at describing what the car is like.
Does this sound like a head gasket failure. Your thoughts would be appreciated.
I'm gradually going over it sorting its problems. I've given it a good service as it hasn't been serviced since she bought it over a year ago. New seatbelt for the rear as that was faulty. I'm about to put a new exhaust on it as it has a hole in the backbox and the centre pipe doesn't look great either.
Did the usual once over for fluid levels in the engine bay and noted that the coolant expansion tank smelt very strongly of petrol when I removed the cap. It was relatively windy outside so couldn't be isolated unless the nose was right over the neck of the tank.
Fluid loss since I topped it up last has been minimal I would say. Having said that, when I did top it up about a month and a half ago it was below the minimum line. I'm not aware if the car behaves any differently as the other half drives it and it useless at describing what the car is like.
Does this sound like a head gasket failure. Your thoughts would be appreciated.
Via dipstick the oil is nice and fresh. I've not had chance to look at the oil filler cap as I need to remove the airbox assembly to get at it from memory.
It's a really heavy smell of petrol so when I next get time after work I'll see if it bubbles whilst running. Failing that I might take it to a friendly MOT place and get them to place the emmisions analyser over the coolant tank to see if the readings go through the roof.
Thanks for all the input so far. I was hoping to change her car in three months or so but this is annoying.
It's a really heavy smell of petrol so when I next get time after work I'll see if it bubbles whilst running. Failing that I might take it to a friendly MOT place and get them to place the emmisions analyser over the coolant tank to see if the readings go through the roof.
Thanks for all the input so far. I was hoping to change her car in three months or so but this is annoying.
Gassing Station | Engines & Drivetrain | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff