Possible head gasket failure

Post by **COMMERCIALMAN** » Sun Jun 14, 2009 10:49 pm

Hi All, Today i noticed my car was starting to overheat.When it cooled down i checked the water level ,it was very low i also noticed that there is oil within the radiator so suspect head gasket failure is it just a case of replacement or will i need to flush out the cooling system to get rid of the oil.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Jun 14, 2009 10:57 pm

Best to flush after doing the gasket - more oil may mingle during the change! Equally - water may be in the oil - probably wise to change that too.

Post by **simmitc** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 1:27 pm

Before ripping the head off, double check boith oil and water. Although oil in the water is a text-book diagnosis of HG failure, I've found that it is exceedingly rare on an Minor engine - it's far more common for the HG to fail between cylinders 3 and 4. A very slight film of oil in the radiator could come from a lightly greased rad cap, a drip from an oil can, a dirty container used to fill the rad....

However, if it is definitely the HG at fault then change it, the oil, and the water - you don't want emulsion in your bearings!