Head Gasket - Rough cost? Indy recommendations?

[PerryGunn]

Did you say you've had the cylinders pressure checked? And no issues with any of them?
Don't know what the costs would be for the 3.0 - I know for the 3.4 its eye-watering...

To be fair, a big chunk of the cost of a HG replacement on the 3.4S engine is due to the cost of the HG itself
For normal cars the parts are pretty reasonable but labour costs for a HG replacement are the biggest part of the bill

Especially if Phil C gets the copper ones done

I'm sure I saw a post over on The Register fairly recently that indicated that there's an alternative gasket from the US that's just right for the 3.4S engine - when I get some time I'll see if I can dig it out

 

[Stratts]

That's exactly what my oil cap and dipstick look like. I only do 4 miles each way on some weeks (depending on where I am working) so it's normal as far as I know.

White Mayo is the more of an issue.

Not being there I can't comment, but you need better tests done than a coolant pressure test, as that's inconclusive. Get the cylinder compression or sniff test done and go from there

 

[Ed Doe]

Personally I'd say there's a chronic amount of mincing going on here.... I'd say the amount of coolant you're losing is negligible. And the 'mayo' is as a few have said entirely to be expected on short journeys at this time of year. And the sickly sweet smell I'd imagine is the smell of fuel... It's probably running richer when cold. Is it still blowing condensation when it's properly warmed up, at say midday?

Also if the HG really is gone, you'll do no damage that won't be rectified with skimming the head by driving it around as it is, so personally I'd not worry about it until any issues are far more pronounced. Like a lumpy cold idle indicating a cylinder down on compression.

Equally, for peace of mind get it down to any decent mechanic and get him to sniffer the engine. But from your description I wouldnt bother worrying about it!

As an aside has the temperature gauge ever gone above the normal position on the gauge?

 

[citrapara]

I have the 3.0 and my oil cap looks the same, only since the winter really kicked in. I was worried at first but monitoring it it's not getting any worse and I had a inspection 1 service 2 weeks ago at a main dealer and there were no come backs with the oil that was drained.

 

[ben g]

I've had mayo on my oil cap and dipstick for the last couple of winters aswell as the white smoke from exhaust and a bit of coolant loss and my engines runs sweet as a nut.

I think it's just the higher mileage on the engine mate. I had the same thought as you re. Head gasket but I really don't think there is anything to worry about really.

 

[Nictrix]

Why not just take it for a real good run, a few miles up the motorway to get it really hot and then check to see if the mayo has gone.
It will rule out the short journey build up at least.

 

[EdButler]

Personally I'd say there's a chronic amount of mincing going on here.... I'd say the amount of coolant you're losing is negligible. And the 'mayo' is as a few have said entirely to be expected on short journeys at this time of year. And the sickly sweet smell I'd imagine is the smell of fuel... It's probably running richer when cold. Is it still blowing condensation when it's properly warmed up, at say midday?

Also if the HG really is gone, you'll do no damage that won't be rectified with skimming the head by driving it around as it is, so personally I'd not worry about it until any issues are far more pronounced. Like a lumpy cold idle indicating a cylinder down on compression.

Equally, for peace of mind get it down to any decent mechanic and get him to sniffer the engine. But from your description I wouldnt bother worrying about it!

As an aside has the temperature gauge ever gone above the normal position on the gauge?

+1

You'd be losing a LOT more coolant than that with HGF - more like 500ml per 100 miles! Mayo looks normal for light winter use. Z4's have very thick stainless steel exhausts that take forever to get hot, meaning that in the cold weather you'll see water vapour for a looong time. I've still seen the vapour bellowing when doing 50+ gentle miles.

 

[Fastatv]

Here in the US the cost of replacing the head gasket costs between $1800 and $2400 USD depending on the garage. However, there has been very good input from the forum members as to other possible problems for the coolant usage and smells. Clean the oil filter cap and dipstick and as mentioned, drive the car for 30 or 40 miles, then recheck the oil filler cap and dipstick for the milky oil. I have had two Zeds....both had the same indications as yours, but only in cold weather and caused by short trips. Engine was never really getting fully warmed up.....hot enough to effectively remove the condensation.