Cylinder head, or not?

[Pikaa94]

Hello!

Coolant is slowly disappearing.

Engine oil is also consumed (about 0.5 liter per 3000 km).

There is a sweet coolant smell and some steam from the exhaust.

There is oily residue on the edge of the coolant expansion tank.

There are no fault codes, no visible smoke, no oil leaks and no coolant leaks.

The following parts have already been replaced:

EGR cooler

valve cover

coolant expansion tank

expansion tank cap

oil filter housing

timing belt, water pump and all drive belts

There is no mayonnaise under the oil filler cap.

On cold start, the engine makes a slight rattling noise for about 10–20 seconds, then it runs normally.

I am trying to understand if this could still be a head gasket or cylinder head problem.

Skoda Octavia 3, 2014 (2015 model), 2.0 TDI (CKFC)

Thank you!

[Dr G]

Sniff test on coolant tank if not already done.

[fooman]

Dr G said:

Sniff test on coolant tank if not already done.

Came here to say this will give you your answer before you swap any more parts.