Technical Blown head gasket?

[peanutville]

Hi peeps....

does this look like the results of a blown head gasket?
Head gasket was only replaced 18 months ago - is it possible for oil & water to be mixing elsewhere in the engine?


Creamy deposits on the inside of the camshaft cover...

Thanx for any replies!

 

[lewey]

Very likely to be the head gasket blown between one or more oil and water ways if there is no performance issues. It is possible to have cracked water or oil ways within the block or head or a cylinder crack, but it is not a common issue with these engines when running normal power ranges.

 

[Chas Uno]

does this look like the results of a blown head gasket?
Head gasket was only replaced 18 months ago - is it possible for oil & water to be mixing elsewhere in the engine?

Yes, that could possibly indicate a blown head gasket. Also, though the head gasket was replaced 18 months ago that doesn't mean it can't fail again. For instance, if the gasket originally failed because the head was slightly warped and the head wasn't skimmed before fitting a new gasket then premature failure would be very likely.

However, the FIRE engines can accumulate condensation in the rocker cover and breather pipe to the air filter in colder weather and if only undertaking short journeys. Therefore to establish if it is indeed a failed head gasket some other symptoms would possibly be evident. These may include some or all of the following:

• Water mixing with the oil in the sump. Evidenced by increase in oil level and the 'mayonnaise' appearance on the dipstick.
  
• Decreasing coolant level.
  
• Steam coming from the exhaust whether the engine is hot or cold.
  
• 'Ticking' noise coming from the exhaust.
  
• Rough running engine/ decrease in performance.
  
• Obvious coolant leak

With the 'mayonnaise' evident in your rocker cover I'd be looking for water mixing with the oil and a decrease in coolant level. If neither of these are the case and the engine is running fine you may only be having condensation build up. However, if you are experiencing these and possibly some of the other symptoms mentioned above there is a good chance your head gasket has failed.

Let us know how you get on and good luck.

Chas

 

[a73uk]

You also get one ultra-clean (that looks as new) spark plug if it goed between a waterway & the piston bore.

Cracks in the block or head usually cause them to run badly when cold, then running normally, or near normally when hot, as the heat causes the metal to expand & close the crack when warmed up.

You should also check for an increase in crankcase or water jacket pressure by opening the oil cap & radiator cap (not when hot or the water will shoot out & burn you).

Are you sure the residue isnt from last time that the mechanics hadnt cleaned out?

Are you in an area that suffers extremes of heat i.e. very hot during the day & freezing at night on a daily basis? if so, that might cause significant condensation within the engine.

Also, make sure the oil feed pipe that runs over the cam isnt blocked as it`ll kill your cam quickly if it is.

 

[peanutville]

I have decided to run the engine after I have cleaned out the camshaft cover & make a decision after its been running for a week. If its still bad I will check the head gasket.

You have some valid points & I doubt a mechanic would take the effort to clean it thoroughly as you suggested.

The car resides in a Mediterranean climate, so no temperature extremes.

I will check the oil feed pipe before I bolt everything up & the spark plugs.
The dipstick oil is lighter, which is a recent change in oil colour. Before the head removal commences I'll also check oil in the the sump.

Thanx for the responses - definitely assists.

 

[peanutville]

Would over revving the engine while cold have a detrimental effect on the head gasket? I know its not good period, but was just wondering.

Would it be possible to drive for short trips < 4km? the oil on the dipstick is starting to have a milky appearance, but nowhere as bad as the deposits in the pictures - I guess the sensible answer would be no.

 

[peanutville]

Replaced the head gasket & first run was a bit lumpy & noticed the oil changing colour after a few mins. I think the head bolts are tired! The manual states only use 4 times, so obviously passed that limit. On installation I was not very happy with the bolt tension on the last two 90 degree turns, so my gut feeling was correct.

Hopefully installing new head bolts will be fine without having to take the head off again!

 

[Ucof]

good luck with it

 

[peanutville]

Thanx... decided to pop the head off again to be 100% sure everything was fine. New bolts did the trick & not expensive, just need some new spark plugs & it should be running really smooth

 

[alexGS]

Thanx... decided to pop the head off again to be 100% sure everything was fine. New bolts did the trick & not expensive, just need some new spark plugs & it should be running really smooth

I hope yet another new head gasket was used?
I re-used a head gasket once on an engine that ran only briefly. A few months later, it blew between two cylinders. Still, best of luck anyway, at least you'll be getting very good at the job if you do have to do it again.

-Alex

 

[jo0lz]

I re-used a head gasket once on an engine that ran only briefly. A few months later, it blew between two cylinders. . . .

Err like that was EVER going to work for very long
Just saves a little bit of money
BUT wastes a LOT of TIME in the end as you have to do the JOB AGAIN
Jo0Lz

 

[the mk1 kid]

I'd of skimmed the head too, but...

Tom

 

[SteveNZ]

You can re-use some head gaskets. I have on an engine that was never started.

 

[peanutville]

Well I got 6 months out of it using the same head gasket (which only ran for a few minutes on first run) It seems to blow at exactly the same spot on the block between an oil & water channel. The block surface does look slightly pitted/ corroded which I'm sure does not help the situation.

Going to have the head skimmed this time & hopefully improve the longevity of the head gasket...

 

[alexGS]

Well I got 6 months out of it using the same head gasket (which only ran for a few minutes on first run) It seems to blow at exactly the same spot on the block between an oil & water channel. The block surface does look slightly pitted/ corroded which I'm sure does not help the situation.

Going to have the head skimmed this time & hopefully improve the longevity of the head gasket...

Yep... At least it proved the point, then!

-Alex

 

[peanutville]

The block had to be welded due the corrosion - not using anti-freeze compounded the issue.

 

[rawill]

Seems to me that if the head is off it is a very good idea to get a little skim unless you are perfectly sure it is absolutely true. And anyway, it might increase the compression a bit!!!