Hi all,

As I mentioned quitely before I suspect that my head gasket may be on the way out. When I remove the oil filler cap there is a light coating of the dreaded white smeg. When I stick my finger in there is also a very light coating on the inside of the rocker cover. I have cleaned this off and it comes back after aout 100 - 150 miles. There is no smeg visible looking in the rocker cover.

However, I'm not convinced. Everything is running like a dream at the moment; starts first time, every time; tick over is silky smooth; engine temperature is bang in the middle and never varies; the engine was serviced about 500 miles ago and the oil that came out showed no signs of contamination; the coolant is clear and the level has not dropped at all; when running there are no bubbles in the coolant; looking in the filler when it's running the oil looks good as does the oil on the dipstick.

So, do you think that the head gasket may just be begining to fail or could it be that the oil that was put in 500 miles ago was contaminated. I know it's easy to change the oil but it's a bank holliday weekend here in Germant and my well priced shop is closed till Monday so I thought a bit of research might be worth while. Also if it is the gasket I might as well save the money and change the oil after the gasket change.

Dave

series engine clean oil breather on top of engine in petrol same with oil filler cap. white scum can be caused by only using for short runs caused by condesation because engine does not heat up enough . Check your thermostat opening temp. With the colder trmp in the winter in the continent fit a rad blind or do the Irish one Cut a piece of cardboard to size and put in front of radiator . hope this helps. excuse spelling have ju7st had a barbe aqnd drunk 3 bottles 2002 claret

Short trips and condensation would seem to make sense. I cleaned the cap then went on a 60 mile run and there was no build up, however, afetr that it has been used, in the main, for short journies and the gunk is there. I think I'll take it for a good run this weekend before I renew the suspension and see what happens.

Cheers for the reply and I hope it was a good 2002.

I tend too agree with bonnybaggot. Short runs are more than likely what you're culprit is. The same thing happens with the wifes motor, its been checked and theres nowt ammiss and she only does short runs.

Regards WP.

Cheers guys,

All is well. Took it for a good run today, even managed to get on some mud and needed 4x4, and after a good 2 1/2 hours all the gunk has gone.

The emmision filter thing is a bit gungey but none of it has reached the pipework.

Another good lesson learned.

If you're still bothered try using another brand of engine oil - some are worse than others for emulsifying