[SimonGTV]

Routinely checking the oil and water earlier and noticed the dreaded white gunk in the radiator cap.

I know this is relatively new as I replaced the coolant a month ago and it was clear then but I have done a lot more miles than normal since then.

Having said that, it's never overheated, there's been no drop in coolant level and the oil is clear at the dip stick.

I guess I can assume the cylinder head gasket is gone/going and that i won't be able to drive it until replaced, which brings me onto my next question, is it a difficult job to tackle at home, I'm a novice but willing mechanic?

Thanks very much

 

[Nige005]

Might be worthwhile to have a " Sniff " and " Pressure " test done before condemning anything.

Just a coincidence that it has happened after a Coolant change ?

Maybe some reaction between the old and new Coolants ? This is just a wild guess and I can't see how this could be but then again I'm not a big believer in coincidences either.

 

[Erik Loye]

There is a oil canal thru the headgasket that needs a rubber O-ring. This is diffecult to align and keep aligned during refitting the the cyl. head. This may leak a little oil into the coolant.
So if a pressure test and sniffing the coolant don't give indications of a leaking headgasket, I would drain yhe coolant and flush the cooling system. If no oil seems to be in the coolant I would reuse it.
Erik

 

[karlssondesign]

Yrs. Don't assume the worst. Check the breather is ok. As if blocked this can blow oil past the water pump seal temporarily resulting in goo.

Its not a difficult diy job. Just be methodical. And remember the 2x m6 nuts on the underside of the head by the timing gear........ I didnt

 

[VeloceMitch]

Nothing to do with the suspected H/G issue, but just a reminder about coolant. The Nord has an Aluminium block and a Brass radiator, certain types of coolant can cause problems when a chemical reaction between the two metals and the coolant turns the fluid corrosive. You need to make sure you are using the old type blue coolant rather than the modern pink coloured stuff. It might say it's suitable for all engines on the bottle, but with it's the Brass radiator and the Ali engine together which is the issue.

 

[SimonGTV]

Thanks guys,

Ive been for a gentle test drive tonight after cleaning the cap out and there's no smell of exhaust gases in the radiator or the reservoir nor is there any sign of any more oil.

I'm not sure what the breather is, can you give me some more info please.

And it's the blue type anti freeze so that should be ok

Thanks

 

[Erik Loye]

The breather is breather presure from the bottum af the engine thru a hose into the airfilter. The presure contains oil fumes and over time the hose or elbow on the valve cover get blocked by oily dirt.
I was not aware of the differences in anti freese, thanks for the info.
Erik

 

[SimonGTV]

thanks i'll check that at the week end

i've bought a compression tester too so i'll see if that shows anything up.

 

[spiderserie4]

thanks i'll check that at the week end

i've bought a compression tester too so i'll see if that shows anything up.

probably telling you something you know already....... but just in case
Do a compression test on hot engine, all plugs out and full throttle during the test.