i think my head gasket is knackered

[topsparky]

is there anyway i can check this
there's no mayo or gunk in the expansion tank
none on the dipstick
it's using from max to min in approx 600 miles
can the system be pressure tested at home/diy
any help cheers guys

[PeteRR]

Are there any traces of coolant on or around the expansion bottle?
My expansion bottle cap failed recently and coolant dumped out through it when hot after the engine was stopped. A new cap obviously sorted that.
Though in fact there's still a tiny leak from the small hose outlet of the bottle I think. I've got a nice new bottle to fit when I do my coolant any time soon.

Otherwise, can you see any bubbles in the tank when the engine's running?, any water vapour from the exhaust when the engines hot?

You can pressure test the cooling system with the engine hot and turned off using a special pump that fits in place of the cap. Not sure how much they cost though.
Or a dye kit that tests for combustion gases in the coolant might also tell you if there is a problem.

Hope it's something minor like the cap though.

[topsparky]

on start up in the morning there's a lot of grey/white smoke
i might have to take it to a garage me thinks

[PeteRR]

That could be just normal condensation, but it's worth getting it check out just in case.
I'd imagine it would misfire noticeably if coolant was laying on top of the pistons overnight.

[topsparky]

That could be just normal condensation, but it's worth getting it check out in case.

cheers pete

yet more expense
who said owning an audi was easy
on the other hand the thrills out way the costs
imho

[s2_bo]

cheers pete

yet more expense
who said owning an audi was easy
on the other hand the thrills out way the costs
imho

Good Luck with this mate... - I hope it turns out to be something simple...

Cheers.
Bo

[blown_vr6]

Does it start up on 5??
Sure sign that the H/G is gone between the waterway and the combustion chamber is starting up on 3 or 4 cylinders when cold.
Coolant forms in the combustion chamber as the cooling system is still pressurised, as the engine cools down this leaks through the HG.

[topsparky]

Does it start up on 5??
Sure sign that the H/G is gone between the waterway and the combustion chamber is starting up on 3 or 4 cylinders when cold.
Coolant forms in the combustion chamber as the cooling system is still pressurised, as the engine cools down this leaks through the HG.

it starts up 1 st time every time
i'm getting a few niggles at the moment
amber battery indicator comes on every know and then
red brake pressure indicator comes on when i set of fast or go round a bend
all fluid levels on p/s and brakes are max
it's just cheesing me off

[Condor]

Water loss.

is there anyway i can check this
there's no mayo or gunk in the expansion tank
none on the dipstick
it's using from max to min in approx 600 miles
can the system be pressure tested at home/diy
any help cheers guys

Just a thought, have you checked around the area of your heater matrix for a leak, ie maybe damp carpet ect, just a thought, try the simple things first before you take it to that expensive garage good luck...

[WabTheKing]

it starts up 1 st time every time
i'm getting a few niggles at the moment
amber battery indicator comes on every know and then
red brake pressure indicator comes on when i set of fast or go round a bend
all fluid levels on p/s and brakes are max
it's just cheesing me off

alternator needs servicing

dodgy switch on top of hydraulic fluid pot

you need to do a compression check

[PeteRR]

..dodgy switch on top of hydraulic fluid pot...

The 'plunger' on my hydraulic fluid reservior cap was a bit gungy, which may potentially cause it to stick occasionally and flash up the warning.
I cleaned it with an old toothbrush and a very small amount of WD40.

[pastures16]

oh!! blown a gasket
thought mine had gone look for leaks mate no matter how small a coolant pressure test might help
mine was a slightly leaking rad and after run pump
if its running fine it wont be the hg mine smoked when i decated

[S-Express]

Cylinder leak down test is the best option (£40 ebay)
This will tell you how much air is escaping from your cylinder and also where its going - so you'll know if its rings / head gasket / valve stem seals etc.............

[pastures16]

if its the bluepoint/snapon dont always work

[GT500]

I'll swap ya for my knocking noise!!!


Just opened vino number 2. Chuffin cars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!