Oh dear - does this mean the head gasket ?

Post by **sgray** » Sun Dec 06, 2009 9:17 am

I freely admit my knowledge about cars is rather basic, but I was always told that whitegunk in the oil fillercap means a head gasket problem.

Cue picture of white gunk in the filler cap.
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and also around the rim of the hole<br>

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are there any other checks I can do? The car has only been out and about infrequently and only for short journeys recently. I've sorted the fuel pump problem now I think and took him out for a spin yesterday and he did miss a couple of times. I don't have any special tools etc - is there anything else I could look at or do I have to jump ahead several lessons and try to remove the head?

Simon

Post by **LouiseM** » Sun Dec 06, 2009 9:51 am

If you're doing lots of short runs then that is the possible cause of the mayo. Some suggestions here:

http://www.morrisminoroc.co.uk/index.ph ... light=mayo

Post by **dalebrignall** » Sun Dec 06, 2009 12:37 pm

probally not its just that if you are doing short runs the engine oil is not getting hot enough to evaporate the water thats caused by condensation.if your worried keep an eye on the water leval.you will find once it warms up yhe mayo will go .

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 9:55 am

Just take it for longer runs - fit a higher temperature thermostat if you want a decent heater - and make sure the vent pipe is not blocked.

Post by **Kevin** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 10:27 am

Hi Simon apart from taking it for a good blast to fully warm it up, you will find that some oils are worse than others for causing mayo, at this time of year it may pay to blank of a section of the rad to get it running a bit hotter.

Post by **dalebrignall** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 4:43 pm

when i was a child i seem to remember my dad putting foil on the radiator grill so the heater worked better .

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 4:47 pm

Rad muffs used to be popular! Helps to keep the underbonnet temperature up - which helps to avoid carb icing, and 'mayo' formation.

Post by **eastona** » Mon Dec 07, 2009 8:09 pm

I've got one, it's thick vinyl backed with a fleecy material. It fixes to the grille. It's good for the winter, especially long, very cold M-Way journeys for some reason, and the heater gets warmer, quicker in the morning.

I've got one with two flaps in the front, and I've never closed them right up i.e. blocked the grille of totally, as it just runs far too hot like that, even down to -4 or -5.

Andrew