Coolant loss

[dm80]

Hi folks..

I've been aware of a coolant leak for a while now, and I've just been topping it up... thought it was a leaky hose somewhere that I'd eventually get round to replacing. Anyway - I checked the oil last night, and noticed the dreaded white goo on the oil cap. I guess this is a cracked block or dodgy gasket. If it is just a gasket then is this a straightforward few hours job? Don't wanna get burned again..

I must add though, that generally it runs fine, but occasionally I notice a slight reduction in power particularly when the boost kicks in, but this is intermittent. I thought boost leak, and perhaps time to clean the MAF..hmm. Would the intermittent loss in power be related to loss of coolant/dodgy gasket?

Cheers for any advice..

[Jamo]

Head gasket like mine budget for £500-600 incase the head needs skimming.

If your doing it yourself then all the better. There's a few threads showing BTDT on the forum.