Foam in coolant

[rose5691]

Hi, can anyone help? I have a crossflow 1700. I went to check the coolant and there is a small amount of white foamy stuff in the water, but not sludge. There is nothing in the oil and it's clean. Also, the oil catch tank is getting quite quickly filled with a thin oily/petrol smelling substance.I know that's why it's there but just want to confirm that it fills up roughly 100ml after 100 miles.
Thanks, John.

[rose5691]

What do you mean about the wee bit? As I said it's foamy rather than sludge and nothing in the oil.

[rose5691]

Cheers, I hope you're wrong

[rose5691]

Thanks- How much for parts do you think and how long should it take? Are there any step by step manuals and can I still drive it without causing more damage?
Cheers, John.

[rose5691]

Cheers, although it really does only seem like it's a t-spoon of the stuff and only when the engine is cold-and it disappears into nothing if you rub it between your fingers and doesn't really leave an oily film. It's a bit like soap suds. While we're not on the subject of gearboxes, is there any way of telling which one I have apart from visually-I'm looking for a big sticker saying, "John, your gearbox is....."
Cheers, John.

[rose5691]

Thanks for that-you've been most helpful.Cheers.