Hi all...
Am a new Coupe owner, 97 1.6 gen 1, no mods, 1 owner (my brother!) from new.
I think I may need a head gasket though. The oil filler cap has a creamy-brown sludge on it (quite a bit), and there are some drops of water on it too. The car has a FHSH, so I don't think there should ever have been mixed oil in it. The car drives and goes perfectly, so is there any other way to know if it needs a gasket? Are there any inherent problems with the engine that could also cause this? (it has 63k miles).

Also, it needs the switch for the rear demister replaced. Any know if these can be picked up online?

Ta muchly.
FP

Hi and welcome to the forums

Have a look at this thread


Sarah

1) check the expansion tank to see if there are signs of oil in the water.
2) wipe off gunge, go for a drive with a nip of spirited thrown in.
3) stop, open bonnet, check if the gunge is back.
4) repeat three at regular intervals for a few days.
5) if it comes back thick assume you have a problem, the sooner it comes back the worse it is.
6) if it only comes back a little after a few days it may be nothing.
7) keep checking at regular intervals assuming it didnt come back thick and quick in which case this won't apply 'cos you'll have had it attended to before doing 4) due to non slippery water in your oil.

As you said it drives and runs normally I hope you get a couple of days into 4) and decide theres nothing to worry about. Good luck.

The sludge is normal when doing short journeys in cold/damp weather.

As said, the symptoms of a failed head gasket are oil-deposits in the radiator`s header tank OR water droplets on the dipstick.

Frequent topping-up of the header tank is also an indication...........but of course a leaking rad or a split hose can also cause this.

Nick.