5cby

not on my scooby but my sisters astra
when you remove the oil filler cap there is a lot of brown sludge think the water is leaking into the oil somewhere
could this be head gasket or something else(cracked block,warped head)
wot would a rough price to fix if it is the head gasket
car is a S reg 1.6 8 valve astra
ill do it myself if its silly money


steve

*AL*

Sludge/gunge is not always a sign of HG failure, this can build up due to water vapour in the crankcase/breather system and can be normal.(more so in damp conditions like winter months combinded with short journeys)
Is the car actually losing water at a consistant rate with no obvious signs of an external leak? When you check your oil is there any sludge on the dipstick?
If you are constantly losing coolant then it is quite possible HG failure.

5cby

there is no sign of a external leak and it needs topping up constantly
yes there is the same gunk on the dipstick
would the head need skimming if it is head gasket

steve

5cby

bttt

funkyspider

no it shouldnt be necessary to skim the head, however it might be worth getting the head pressure tested when it's off just in case it's not actually the gasket, but a slight fracture in the head itself. It may be obvious when you get it off where the failure in the head gasket is tho. Depending on the condition of the valves it might be worth stripping the head itself down whilst its off - or get a fully built recon unit. If you can find a local machine shop that can pressure test etc they will advise you best before you start stripping it down. On the plus side it's not a difficult engine to work on but you'll still have fun with the exhaust manifold studs.

5cby

bttt

funkyspider

btt for what - do you want me to come and do it for you !? lol

5cby

bttt so that others can post there opinion it is after all a public forum
if you look in my first post it say a bout a price for this work
as my sister dont want to be ripped off

[Davey]

the OHC engines rarely suffer from cracked heads, my money would be on head gasket.

*AL*

Does indeed seem to be HG failure.