Possible head gasket failure- options????

[simonsen]

Hi all I was a very happy owner of my c70 2006 2.4i for whole 2 weeks lol. Unfortunately my eagerness lead me to buy a lemon. Just noticed very high pressure in coolant tank and white like mayonnaise gunk under oil cover.
Now what are my options:
- if it is just a head gasket I will change it
- if it's cracked head or even worse bottom end is cracked I was wondering if I can put t5 engine in my car and if yes what sort of am i facing?
Any ideas greatly appreciated


Also I should really add that I am still driving it I am wondering if I should just Park it and leave it?

[Austin160]

I would say the most important word here is "Possible". Just take it back to basics.
Has the car used any coolant in the two weeks you have used it? (Indeed, did you check that the coolant level at cold was up to the correct mark before starting to use it?). If it has used coolant - how much?
When you say high pressure - how are you checking this?
Is there any evidence of oil in the coolant?
Is there any evidence of creamy white residue on the dip stick when cold?
Is there any significant white smoke at around 2000rpm after a run to ensure the engine is up to temperature?
Does the car overheat, or the temperature gauge rise above normal?
Is the engine breather system clean and serviceable?
All useful questions which require answers before considering reaching for any tool kit.
With regard to the white residue near the oil cap - frequently the result of condensation due to short runs.
Hope this helps to get the symptoms into perspective before touching any tools.

[richardk213]

as said above really, worth doing a compression test as well, should indicate if the gasket/head is away?

I have a classic mini, and it always has a white mayo gunk under the oil cap -as said above, short journeys can cause this

I wouldn't panic just yet, just follow Austin160s steps

[Austin160]

A compression test may, just may, show up a head gasket issue, and is more likely to do so if the failure is between two adjacent cylinders when a lower reading will be obtained on both those cylinders. If the leak is between a cylinder and a waterway then it is possible that the difference in pressures will be difficult to detect unless that leak is significant.
A coolant system pressure test might be more meaningful as a first test if you are convinced of higher than normal reservoir pressures.

[richardk213]

Originally Posted by Austin160

A compression test may, just may, show up a head gasket issue, and is more likely to do so if the failure is between two adjacent cylinders when a lower reading will be obtained on both those cylinders. If the leak is between a cylinder and a waterway then it is possible that the difference in pressures will be difficult to detect unless that leak is significant.
A coolant system pressure test might be more meaningful as a first test if you are convinced of higher than normal reservoir pressures.

i stand corrected - Still getting used to modern cars!

[simonsen]

Hi guys thanks for your input.
- when I am unscrewing coolant cap pressure throws out loads of coolant
- in two weeks I've lost about 800 ml
- no smoke no overheating
- no oil in collant
- oil was changed last week but it looks milky
My trusted mechanic said that we need to run a compression test tomorrow

[cheshired5]

Stone cold engine.
Remove expansion cap to release any residual pressure then replace.
Start engine and run for 10 seconds then turn off.
Remove expansion cap again. If you have a pressure release, your HG is almost certainly gone.

[simonsen]

all clear previous over overheated the engine so head had to be skimmed. i have another problem now i cant find head gasket kits in car shops any suggestions? volvo will charge me hand and leg for it!!!