Headgasket gone?...

[dubownerbilco]

I have probably answered my own question already but i have to keep topping up my coolant as the expansion tank is empty every couple of days, now it isnt leaking so the only explanation would be for it to be getting into the cylinders and being burnt off. But there really doesnt seem to be enough steam to go with the amount of water ime loosing. Although it is definetly down on power...

I just really hope it isnt something more serious like a cracked head?

[jonny323i]

Which engine is it ??

[dubownerbilco]

dont want to sound offhand, but its in the m30 section because its an m30

[mcbonio]

Whats your coolant / water ratio?

[dubownerbilco]

At the moment its basically all water because i have had to put so much in recently

[mcbonio]

Sounds like you need coolant, I've had this with other cars that haven't had enough coolant.. My theory is the coolant prevents the water reaching an evaporating temp and escaping through the 1 way radiator cap... when its pure water it evaporates up.

Someone chime in and tell me I'm mad...

[dubownerbilco]

It did have the correct coolant to water ratio to begin with which has obviously since long gone as i have been topping up with water

[Bristol_Jer]

Have you taken the plugs out to look at them? If a cylinder has been burning water then the plug in that cylinder might be a bit cleaner than the rest, depending on how bad the gasket has gone.

[dubownerbilco]

Have you taken the plugs out to look at them? If a cylinder has been burning water then the plug in that cylinder might be a bit cleaner than the rest, depending on how bad the gasket has gone.

I couldnt be arsed doing that yet but ime sure atleast one will be squeeky clean! Haha

[Rav335uk]

Have a sniff test done.
It'll tell you if you have a H/G problem

[BATTS91]

What he said ^^^^. Take it to a decent garage and get them to do a simple sniff test . Results are are very good on petrol engines .

[Bristol_Jer]

Have you taken the plugs out to look at them? If a cylinder has been burning water then the plug in that cylinder might be a bit cleaner than the rest, depending on how bad the gasket has gone.

I couldnt be arsed doing that yet but ime sure atleast one will be squeeky clean! Haha

It's only a 10 minute job!

But better still get a sniff test done as mentioned

[BATTS91]

And if you dont know what one is its not getting a guy with a big hooter in there . its a chemical reaction with a liquid due to ph levels , ask to watch to learn