I did some winter checks today and found issues

- Coolant with slow leak, a common issue but it there a common place it leaks?

- Oil level still max but alarmingly I checked the oil cap and found yellow gunk inside the cap. Head gasket symptons? Could this be linked to first issue?
I religiously never exceed 2,000rpm before its at temp. Only get used at weekends, will sit for about 3 days aweek usually

Thanks
Greg

Has the coolant changed colour? i.e darker?

GYoung87 said:

Only get used at weekends, will sit for about 3 days aweek usually

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This could be the cause, if it sits for long periods cold getting condensation in there. Try cleaning the gunk, and see if it returns quickly or not

Most Easterly Pandas said:

This could be the cause, if it sits for long periods cold getting condensation in there. Try cleaning the gunk, and see if it returns quickly or not

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Ye i cleaned it out. I'll drive back to uni (Manchester to Huddersfield) and check again tomorrow.

As for coolant, no its still same colour just less of it :bang:

Thanks for replies

usual leak spots radiator edges and lower radiator hose look for a red crust round the hose near the joints / jublie clips and the radiator itself

Most Easterly Pandas said:

This could be the cause, if it sits for long periods cold getting condensation in there. Try cleaning the gunk, and see if it returns quickly or not

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It returned quickly. Checked today and the yellow gunk was back. Also the coolant is leaking quicker. Bottle was nearly empty

Hmmm this was after a long journey yes? It can often appear if you only do short journeys that don't allow the engine to warm up fully.

So have you booked it in for a headgasket change then? Lol.

GYoung87 said:

It returned quickly. Checked today and the yellow gunk was back. Also the coolant is leaking quicker. Bottle was nearly empty

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You will get yellow gunk if you drive like miss daisy or do lots of short runs...


the engine takes a very long time to get hot......


Have you tracked your coolant leak down yet?


and for the love of got at this time of year do not keep on filling it just with water get some properly mixed antifreeze in...

also check the water pump area (need to remove cam belt lower cover to check) for signs of leakage..)


if you 100% can't find a leak only then would i think about getting a head pressure test done...

Andy Monty said:

You will get yellow gunk if you drive like miss daisy or do lots of short runs...


the engine takes a very long time to get hot......


Have you tracked your coolant leak down yet?


and for the love of got at this time of year do not keep on filling it just with water get some properly mixed antifreeze in...

also check the water pump area (need to remove cam belt lower cover to check) for signs of leakage..)


if you 100% can't find a leak only then would i think about getting a head pressure test done...

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Firstly no I am not just adding water

Secondly over Christmas I did do only really short journeys. Only 3 mile to work. Then 3 miles back.

Lastly I have not found the leak yet. Having it checked over Friday. I am hoping it is the water pump as I need to do a cam change

Remember anti-freez is poisonous, particularly to pets, so don't allow large amounts to leak out on your drive or you might kill the neighbour's cat.

jameshobiecat said:

Remember anti-freez is poisonous, particularly to pets, so don't allow large amounts to leak out on your drive or you might kill the neighbour's cat.

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I've been trying for years to date without any luck

Most Easterly Pandas said:

I've been trying for years to date without any luck

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Hmm, actually hoping my coolant starts leaking now LOL.

*TOUCH WOOD FFS TOUCH WOOOOOOOD!!!*

Update: It was a clip. The guy reckons it was broke at last service as another pipe looks to have been replaced/fixed

Always serviced at Fiat

Anyway cars back to perfect & now its sunny I need to start burning fuel in the name of country road fun

Nearly 3 years with my T-Jet and I still love it