Head gasket issue ? 3.0i

S

steverz4

Member
Hi everyone,
My Zed hasn't been used for a few months due to needing minor bodywork repairs, which has now been done - so its hardly run for about 4-5 months. Its been inside in a garage.
Just checking it over now, and there is a very small amount of 'mayo' on the oil filler cap. But the car isn't overheating at all, and runs fine. Im a bit worried it could be head gasket, but wouldn't that make the car over heat? Any experience of this issue anyone?!
Its a 2003 3.0i, only done 72k miles - and well looked after / serviced etc?
Any advice welcome....maybe I just need to use it a a bit and see if it goes away...?
Cheers
Steve
 
Usually just condensation mixing with the oil left on the cap.
Clean the cap, give it a good blast to get right up to temperature and monitor it for a few days.
Hopefully you'll be fine.
 
Yep, nothing to worry about at all. You need to get the oil fully up to temperature on a 'spirited run' and it should all evaporate off. Head gasket failure on the M54 is virtually unheard of.
 
If you haven't replaced the original CCV system it could be gunked up and needs replacing.
Go for the cold climate version with the extra thick insulation.
 
It’s usually short runs that result in this, either change the oil more often or take it out for regular, longer runs to hold the engine at normal temps for over 30mins :thumbsup:
Rob
 
A little on the cap wouldn’t worry me. I saw a post recently (either here or FB) about Mayo on the cap and dipstick! Now that would worry me!

Wipe the Mayo off and just drive more :wink:
 
If you have suspicions of a bad head gasket, there are cheap test kits available on ebay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DX-1-COMBUSTION-LEAK-BLOCK-TESTER-50-ml-TEST-FLUID-for-PETROL-LPG-HEAD-GASKET-a/254136111708?hash=item3b2bb1525c:g:eKcAAOSwi7ReF3rz
Also loads of how to video's on Youtube. Nice way to confirm a problem before pulling the engine to bits.
I would agree with what the others have said about the white build up you are seeing, cool running causing this, short runs, give it a good long run to burn off the moisture inside the engine.
 
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