Head Gasket and power steering leak

[Madjackal 0]

Well it was bound to happen at some point, i have a white residue on the inside of the oil filler cap, head gasket replacement time yes?? If so is this a home job? I have done a lot of stuff my self but nothing as involved as removing the cylinder head! Comments, guides or repair costs or otherwise re this would be much appreciated.

 

Also my power steering fluid was very low today when i checked it, not sure about the time scale as i havent looked at the level for a while but either way im assuming this means there is a leak, again comments re locating the leak/reapiring or replacing problem parts or cost of repairs would be very welcome.

 

Many thanks guys

[Gareth_16V 0]

If the car's only used for short journeys at this time of year it can show the same signs as the start of a head gasket.

Is the water level going down rapidly? Is there any mayo on the dipstick? And if there is is the level significantly higher than normal? If not, I'd get a sniffer test done by a garage before condemning the headgasket.

[andy 0]

You need to do a compression test before diagnosing a head gasket problem, mayo can be caused by other things.

[delfinis38 1]

mayo on the cap is okay... it's when it's on the dipstick you need to worry. If the car's not loosing liquid and bellowing white smoke out of the back when warm it should be okay.... it's just moisture in the oil, from the damp weather that's not burned off. the engine never gets warm on short run's to burn the moisture off....

 

My first port of call would be to do and oil change and a flush then go from there, give it a good run then check again, before condeming to a head gasket.

 

I hear mayo on the cap is common on Golf 2lt GTI's and similar rado VR6's :shock:

[shaung60 0]

PAS fluid leak should be easy to find. Just trace the all the pipes from the resevoir to the pump and to the rack. See if there are any leaks in the joins, splits in the pipes etc. Do you get a light oil stain underneath the car when you park up? If no joy then top up your fluid and check the level weekly.

[Madjackal 0]

I will check all the above and come back, I think im getting slightly more exhaust then usual but it may just appear sdo due to the cold weather. Thanks guys I shall kepp you posted.