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147 GTA - Gunk in expansion tank

4K views 14 replies 9 participants last post by  bobulon 
#1 ·
Hi all

First post from long term lurker, so please go easy on me!

I'm looking to buy a friends 03 GTA soon but have one reservation - when looking at the car earlier today I noticed a reasonable amount of 'gunk' in the coolant expansion tank, which looks like the emulsion you get during a head gasket failure.

My friend (who I totally trust not to even consider ripping anyone off) says that it it's been like it for the last 6 or so years.

There is no sign of Gunk on the underside of the oil cap, or condensation of any kind.

The car has been serviced regularly at Alfa Workshop. A number of years ago they did a compression test which the car passed with flying colours.

The service invoices for the same period state that there is a very slow oil weep on the rear right sump gasket, but has never been replaced.

The car has done less than 2,000 miles a year since then, so is barely used.

It uses no noticeable oil between services and the fluid levels never drop.

There was a small amount of water exit the exhaust after startup but this stopped, so fully suspect it's just condensation and standing water in the system from where it's been unused. There was no oily residue on the pipes.

Any suggestions? Could it just be because it's been used rarely and for short journeys?

Thanks
Will
 
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#3 ·
Thanks for the speedy reply!

I might see if I can find a mobile mechanic in NW London who can do one on his drive before I do anything else..

The car needs a general tidy up, but it's cheap enough to absorb most costs that you'd need to throw at it (£5,000 with 67k, Q2 and 330 brakes).

The engine and drivetrain feel very strong otherwise, it's just the engine that worries me as I don't fancy forking out for a head gasket change too soon after buying it
 
#4 ·
It seems to be pretty common and I wouldn't let it put you off. I had the same reservations when viewing my car as it also has a gunky looking expansion tank. Mine has been fine in all the time I've had it. Just search and you'll find a few threads on the subject.

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#6 ·
It seems to be pretty common and I wouldn't let it put you off. I had the same reservations when viewing my car as it also has a gunky looking expansion tank. Mine has been fine in all the time I've had it. Just search and you'll find a few threads on the subject.
Hi Mr_G,
Yes I had a search before I posted and it seems quite common on cars with low mileages and/or do lots of short trips, I just wanted to be sure.

Has it had a prev gasket repair? I had my gasket done (at 55k!!) and there is a small amount of brown residue adhered to the walls of the tank. Its remnants from gasket failure, despite flush you never get it all out.

If the coolant itself looks nice and never drops then I'm sure it's fine. You can get chemical test to detect hydrocarbons in the coolant, maybe try one of these?
Hello

No, no previous gasket repairs.

My friend has owned the car for the last 11 years, prior to that it was owned by Alfa Romeo UK for ~18 months.

It's been 'gunky' for at least the last 6 years, as that is when the expansion tank was replaced. Since then it's continued, but doesn't use any oil and the coolant level never appears to drop.
 
#5 ·
Has it had a prev gasket repair? I had my gasket done (at 55k!!) and there is a small amount of brown residue adhered to the walls of the tank. Its remnants from gasket failure, despite flush you never get it all out.

If the coolant itself looks nice and never drops then I'm sure it's fine. You can get chemical test to detect hydrocarbons in the coolant, maybe try one of these?
 
#7 ·
My Busso engined GTV had a slight gunk from a previous head gasket failure as well. I never managed to completely get rid of it in the eight years I had it.

If no history of HG repairs there shouldn't be any mayo in the coolant. It's not the same as getting a bit under the oil filler cap from short journeys not burning off the condensation. Oil won't drift in from the atmosphere; it has to have come from the engine. Head gaskets don't always fail dramatically. They can slightly weep for ages without really causing any symptons.

As above, if you are going in with your eyes open a HG down the line is not the end of the world. It will be a 4 digit bill but you could combine it with a cambelt if it is due.
 
#8 ·
The expansion tank on mine was brown and the antifreeze very messy I believe mainly due to a lack of use. After replacing the tank (which then split) with a OEM part and giving the system a good flush the fluid now is as clear as it was 18 months ago.
 
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#9 ·
Mine took two good flushes to get it to stop gunking up, this can happen for various reasons. If it's not too far gone you can clean the tank with a strong wheel cleaner, plug up all but one of the pipes and empty half a bottle in there and shake it around, let it sit, shake it around, let it sit and flush it out.
 
#10 ·
The gunk could also simply be from the car running for too long a time on an incorrect antifreeze/water mix. Too much water and you get surface corrosion on some parts, which then shows up in the expansion tank. It's usually a darkish colour.

Anyway, the solution to get peace of mind is to do a compression test and/or a test of the coolant for products of combustion.

Little bit of water in the exhaust is nothing to worry about, as long as it doesn't continue to steam or drip all the time. Slow oil weep on the sump also shouldn't be cause for concern, and is easy enough to fix if you need it fixed.
 
#15 ·
That interior looks mint! If it's never had any suspension work done the shocks are probably due for replacement, konis with stock springs are a popular choice here. I highly recommend Gyeon Q2 Trim to get your exterior plastics looking new, 303 aerospace on the interior, Duragloss or Liquid Leather cleaners and conditioners for the leather and well, hit me up if you need any info!! I got my GTA 10 months ago and have become a bit obsessed with it ever since lol. I did coilovers, Q2, 330mm brakes etc. Refurbed the cooling system, interior and exterior plastics, did paint correction and detailed every square inch so I can send you lots of useful links and give you the benefit of my learning over that time :)
 
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