Has my Head gasket gone

[wiledw]

Have noticed a small amount of water 'stuff' on my oil cap.



Does this mean my head gasket has gone or is it just condensation. My car does mostly short trips and there is no white on the dip stick.

[koos]

If its not overheating or consuming water I would say its just a bit of condensation, doesnt look to bad if you ask me. PS, use macro on you camera

Mitch

[wiledw]

Thanks for the ray of hope mate! Picture taken at work on my phone so not great! Figures crossed

[koos]

Seen worse than that with engines that are fine.
Mitch

[orangecurry]

I do the following if I suspect a head gasket has gone - it works for me....

1) take it for a longish drive, ideally to work
2) stop the engine
3) take off the oil cap (and observe the normal engine vapors escaping)
4) Clean the oil cap, and then PUT THE OIL CAP SOMEWHERE SAFE (on the drivers seat is best, then you can't forget it) - close up the bonnet, and leave the car for an hour or two.
5) Replace the cleaned cap before you start the engine.

This should have allowed any excess condensation to escape, without allowing any more to form (don't do this overnight, otherwise you might get slightly MORE water vapour in the top of the engine).

You are then starting with a clean-ish sheet. (Obviously there might be loads of mayo on the underside of the rocker-cover)

If you get moderate amounts of mayo on the underside of the cap after just a few trips, your head gasket has probably gone.

[wiledw]

Seems fine now after a couple of longish runs.

[orangecurry]

keep an eye on it - have a look every sunday