Possible head gasket problem?

[George106]

Spoke to another transit owner who has the same engine and he was surprised I get hard top hose at idle. With new cap after less than 2kms I lost 0.5l of coolant (it just holds higher pressure in the system then the old one.) it did not happen with old cap that fast. I could get system pressure tested if necessary but from my experience I never had system so pressurised on any car but transit. There are no visible leaks (I have red antifreeze in) and I loose way too much in very short time so I believe it goes down the exhaust. Just to clarify, car doesn't overheat, starts fine, runs as usually (may be a bit sluggish being 120ps with aircon ON) otherwise can't really complain.

[George106]

Been to Autobarn today and got new Head gasket repair product recommended ( https://www.nulon.com.au/products/Cooli ... ket_Repair ) which is gonna hopefully sort the problem out. I got a lot of pressure in the system and layer of small bubbles in header tank so it needs to get the air from somewhere.... Also noticed oil leak around vacuum / water pump... so may have to change gaskets.

George

[George106]

I would be checking all water hoses especially around or above the exhaust as one could be leaking and dripping on the exhaust causing the smell, have you removed each hose to check there not gunked up inside.

I put Nulon longlife red coolant in earlier and any water leak would be visible due to red colour.....

[George106]

Been to Autobarn today and got new Head gasket repair product recommended ( https://www.nulon.com.au/products/Cooli ... ket_Repair ) which is gonna hopefully sort the problem out. I got a lot of pressure in the system and layer of small bubbles in header tank so it needs to get the air from somewhere.... Also noticed oil leak around vacuum / water pump... so may have to change gaskets.

George

Just update, poured Nulon Permanent HG repair in the upper radiator hose, run at idle for 15min, then let engine cool down for few hours and even though I still get some pressure in the system (normal), those little bubbles in header tank are gone..... tomorrow will check coolant level again......

[George106]

Another update, liquid HG sealer from Nulon worked, I have no coolant loss, fitted new header cap and there is no pressure in the system or bubbles after 15km drive at 32deg, ambient temperature..... coolant temperature stays solid in the middle of the gauge, all seam to be fine....

[karl]

I've had one where it was bubbling in the header tank!

[George106]

I did have some fine bubbles (1cm layer) before I used the HG sealer (HG failure test was negative though). After application, there are just few bubbles if any. Also old cap was still holding system pressurised and the new one keeps little pressure (hose across radiator is really soft). I don't loose any water and everything looks OK. The Nulon red coolant I use raise boiling point to 128deg C so shouldn't boil even without any pressure in the system.