Is my head gasket going already?

[ILoveSpeedBumps]

Hello. I bought a brand new car in 2009 (59 plate) and just recently theres been a strange smell. I decided to investigate under the bonnet after checking the interior. I checked the oil and theres a yellowish mayonaise like substance all around the oil cap and on the dipstick. The car is also drinking alot more petrol than normal.

Is this likely to be the head gasket? Ive already booked it in with the manufacturers for a week on monday.

If so what is likely to be the cause? Ive done under 10,000 miles

[DrTre]

short journeys in cold weather can cause mayo build up. what sort of smell?

[ILoveSpeedBumps]

Just a general rotting smell.

To be fair that may be the case, all i do is short journeys. I travel around 8 miles to university, and around 5 miles to work. Seems alot more likely than head gasket failure.

Thanks mate.

[powerstroke]

ILoveSpeedBumps said:

Just a general rotting smell.

To be fair that may be the case, all i do is short journeys. I travel around 8 miles to university, and around 5 miles to work. Seems alot more likely than head gasket failure.

Thanks mate.

sounds like short runs,so it's not getting hot enough to evaporate off byproducts of combustion= mainly water , I would have a oil service, very important to rid it of acid and other rubbish and then take it for a good long run...