Head gasket gone

[Nova2k7]

Ok so my oil cap is covered in yellow gundge and pulled out the dip stick to find this!

Seems to be loosing only a very very small amount of water as well!

 

[Nathanhu]

If your head gasket has gone that the whole dipstick will be covered with gunge.
It might be just the moisture in the air / outside temp/ short trip combo.

Also have a look at the upper feed pipe to the oil separator to see if it a little clogged as that can also lead to a bit of residue staying in the motor block

 

[powerontap]

Agree with the above, very pertinent info and suggestions.

 

[andysat]

Agree with the above-hows it driving?

 

[Incompatible]

A small amount of "gunge" seems to be common with cars that live in a cold/wet climate and usually do short commutes. The engine doesn't warm up fully and a small amount of condensation remains, over time this mixes with your oil and you have what you see on your dipstick. You can have the radiator coolant checked for exhaust gases if you're really concerned, but chances are your head gasket is fine.

 

[Adamski]

How's the oil cap? Would look out for excessive white smoke and overheating - combined with mayo they're usually the key signs of head gasket failure.

You might want to try a cooling system sealant if you're loosing water but can't find the source. Looks like you could do with an oil top up too 8)

 

[jttaylor]

Thats nothing really. Likely to happen in the cold weather especially if you do short journeys.

As regards to losing water, how much over what period of time? Any noticeable leaks? Wet under tray?

 

[mr wilks]

Don't flap untill you have to , the signs will appear from the exhaust as well as consuming oil & water ,
this is pretty rare in BMW engines & until you are 100% sure i would assume its short journeys in winter therefore producing condensation / mayo in oil fill area :roll:
have a drink a loosen up for now , i doubt its terminal

 

[jttaylor]

Agree Mr Wilks. Ive seen a few people flap on these threads and then few days later turns out to be a leak somewhere for the loss of water and mayo due to cold weather and short journeys!

 

[ben g]

i have the exact same 'problem' and have been told it's nothing to worry about.

i had a coolant leak and thought it was the headgasket. turned out it was a dodgy thermostat housing, so replaced that and it's fine. it will run rough and overheat if your headgasket is buggered.

here's a guy on another forum who gave me some advice when i asked about the mayo like substance:

Originally posted by chris_uk
i used to drive 2 miles to work and this is how bad condensation can get.

inside was fine

i power washed the top, cleaned it with fuel and then let it dry, popped it back on went for a good drive and its never come back.

 

[jttaylor]

Wow, theres a bottles worth of Mayo their! I only travel 3 miles to work but this seems extreme I have only had a light covering on my cap through these cold spells.