Buying advice

T

Taylo63

Member
Hello all.
After a bit of advice please. I viewed a 2.2 E85 (2004) 80k, recently and overall the car looked good (IMO),however, I noticed "mayo" around the oil filler cap and neck. The owner said it had been like that since he had owned it. He put it down to short journeys that he does daily. I did a bit of reading, and this appears to be a common issue?. The car ran perfectly, had no leaks, didn't overheat, and the heater ran hot...Do you think there is reason for concern? Is there an easy sure fire way to confirm the headgasket hasn't gone?
Also the car had been lowered with Msport suspension.. My question here is if any of it needs replacing, is it difficult to source or more expensive than standard suspension components??

I look forward to your comments.

Many Thanks
 
Yup…common to see. Normal in cold weather and short journeys. Mine does it, and always has in the cold weather. :thumbsup:

R.e the suspension…. Cheap as chips to replace. :thumbsup:
 
As above it is not unusual for these cars to have a little mayo around the oil cap particularly in the cold weather and of the owners are doing short journeys
 
I concur with all the above.
My 2.2 just sold and that had a slight mayo deposit on the cap as it had been a couple of miles to the MOT and back.
One good long run will dry it all out no problem.

At that mileage I would recommend checking the Disa valve is not rattling. It's an easy replacement though.
Also look carefully around the expansion tank for any signs of coolant leaking, as they can crack.
I'd also suggest that if it hasn't already been done then overhauling the VANOS will make the car run much more smoothly and recover a bit of power that has seeped away over the years. Again, a simple but time-consuming job. I've done a few, as have others on the forum, so there'll be someone who can offer advice or even do it for you.
If the suspension has been changed recently then you should have nothing to worry about for a long while yet.
As stated, its a simple job and you could choose whether to go back to standard or keep it lowered.
I would just ascertain whether the shocks were changed, or just lower springs fitted.
 
Yep short trips and cold weather causes the Mayo.

4 Month's after an oil change and no long run outs, see result here :wink:

https://video.citnow.com/vp2sYS2CgTU
 
Although emulsification of the oil and moisture (mayo) isn't too much of a problem generally (I get it a bit on the N54 but not on the N20 :? ), there are stories where severe cases can block breather tubes and the like and cause potentially more serious issues.
 
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