Coolant Question

[JB]

Just checked out the coolant level and when I took the cap off the expansion tank I noticed that the coolan inside had a kind of milky consistency. What does it mean?

[H]

Uh oh!
Could be possible Head gasket
Get the block tester out mate to make sure
Normally oil mixing with coolant

[JB]

Originally posted by H
Uh oh!
Could be possible Head gasket
Get the block tester out mate to make sure
Normally oil mixing with coolant

I thought that was if the oil was milky? You've got me worried now :(

[Wak]

Originally posted by H
Uh oh!


Uh oh indeed, sounds like head gasket to me too :eek:

Shall I bring a tow rope tomorrow then JB? :p ;)

[Wak]

Originally posted by JB
I thought that was if the oil was milky? You've got me worried now :(

Mixing water with oil is the same as mixing oil with water

[Mark]

If you are blowing oil into the coolant than you will get a mayo consistancey in the water bottle. It all depends where the most pressure is, so there are several symptoms that all lead to blown head gasket. :( sorry but i would 90% say it was buggered. there is a worse scenario tho, it could be a crack in the head or block :eek:

[JB]

Originally posted by Wak
Uh oh indeed, sounds like head gasket to me too :eek:

Shall I bring a tow rope tomorrow then JB? :p ;)

It's on the 190 so that won't be a problem.

Just been for a closer look (as I can't be @rsed to do anywork). The actual liquid in the tank seems ok. It's around the inside of the cap and at the top of the tank where the liquid don't touch that's milky. Oil is fine. Dunno when the coolant was changed, so don't suppose there's any chance it could simply need replacement?

[H]

Get it block tested mate doesn't take long at all and then you'll know for sure
Hope its ok mate:(

[Wak]

I've seen some pretty dirty expansion bottles on cars, so it might just be years of accumulated crud. For the cost/bother you might as well change the coolant, clean the crap out of the bottle and keep an eye on it to see if it comes back. If it does then there's a problem.

[Ant]

Phew, thought it was your 200 then.

[JB]

Never having had a head gasket go before, what sort of cost are we talking about to sort it. Oh and where would I be able to get a block test done?

Wish I hadn't posted this thread now, feel really depressed :( :(

[Wak]

As a guess I suppose you're looking at about £300, any garage should be able to test it for you but be careful incase they tell you it needs changing and it doesn't.

If the car is otherwise running well then get your hands dirty and change the coolant and clean the bottle first.