Head Gasket?

[Mister_G]

Hey guys,

So on the M69 yesterday at 'motorway speeds' I glance down at the fuel gauge and notice the temperature gauge is over 3/4. I immediately jumped in to the slow lane doing about 55/60 mph and the temp gauge dropped back quickly to 1/2 way mark.

I decided to take my time and stuck cruise control on to ensure I wasn't revving without the need to do so. And the gauge occasionally increased fairly rapidly to 3/4 and back to 1/2.

No warning lights or changes in running/performance.

I left everything to cool overnight and checked coolant this morning (bottle is filthy so can't see level easily). When I took off the lid it hissed and there was a gurgle.

Coolant was virtually non existent. Loads of gunk on lid and looks to be some in tank too. Topped up coolant and have only been to town and back so not exceeded 30mph.

Thermostat was changed before I bought the car (was mentioned thermostat gasket was goosed). Full coolant bleed and change before I bought the car too, about three months ago.

So, have I got a head gasket issue. Or is it probably just the thermostat gasket??

If it is the head gasket, what kinda cost am I looking at?

 

[Mister_G]

By the way... oil seems clean. Forgot to check levels so just waiting for car to cool down before I do that.

 

[mi16chris]

Sure looks like oil in there head gasket could be possible ok

 

[The Chubby Pirate]

IIRC, I don't think a head gasket has ever failed on an F4R.

 

[Mister_G]

Yeah I have read that they rarely go.... Apparently the thermostat gasket can allow oil/coolant to mix without any visible leaks?

It's one of those jobs that I've been putting off.... I've seen some thermostats that come with the gasket included for around £15. Is it easy to replace? If so, I may give this a go before taking it to a garage to diagnose. I'll obviously drain the coolant and start again.

 

[Dan@SJM]

I'd say thermostat housing. About 10 bolts and the whole unit unbolts.

 

[Mister_G]

Thanks Dan. Spoke to the previous owner and he's saying the same. Guess I just panicked a little seeing as she's a high miler!

I was down in Somerset last week, could've popped it in if I'd of known then! lol

Is this what I need: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RENAULT-CLIO-THERMOSTAT-COMPLETE-WITH-HOUSING-GASKET-/280641723812

 

[Dan@SJM]

No. It's genuine only, so speak to Adam from Renault Wolverhampton. It's just the gasket.

 

[Don]

Thanks Dan. Spoke to the previous owner and he's saying the same. Guess I just panicked a little seeing as she's a high miler!

I was down in Somerset last week, could've popped it in if I'd of known then! lol

Is this what I need: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RENAULT-CLIO-THERMOSTAT-COMPLETE-WITH-HOUSING-GASKET-/280641723812

No. It's genuine only, so speak to Adam from Renault Wolverhampton. It's just the gasket.

That ebay ad is renault Wolverhampton Parts's ebay site.

 

[Dan@SJM]

Yes, but its not the right bit. And I've searched eBay and its not on there.

 

[Mister_G]

Thanks all.

 

[Don]

If you phone Adam, he will tell you what you need...he's damn clued up on 182s. (Just don't tell him its for an RB - Big Gay Blue he calls them!)

 

[Mister_G]

If you phone Adam, he will tell you what you need...he's damn clued up on 182s. (Just don't tell him its for an RB - Big Gay Blue he calls them!)

Lol. Noted!! Most challenging part seems to be draining and flushing the coolant. Other than that looks fairly straight forward... Right? Lol

 

[Dan@SJM]

Most challenging part is not over tightening the bolts into the head.

 

[Mister_G]

Just pinch them I assume? Gonna take air box off tomorrow and have a gander.

 

[Mister_G]

Ok so the parts should be here todAy. I'm a planning on doing everything tomorrow. Is it worth applying something like this too: http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...&productId=173059&categoryId=255217&langId=-1

Also, after removing the thermostat housing would you recommend flushing the engine block that it attaches to?

Cheers!

 

[Mister_G]

FFFFFUUUUUU

Spent ages yesterday changing the gasket, coolant, and expansion bottle. Everything was all nice and clean. I used some gasket sealant alongside the new gasket and drained and flushed the system the best I could.

The coolant that came out of the bleed valve and wherever else I could get it from seemed pretty clean.

Obviously as oil floats on water the stuff that came out if the tank was a different story:

I got the car up to temp and also bled it and all seemed ok.

However, after a drive to work this morning I've lost most of the coolant. This isn't a surprise as the seal around the thermostat is goosed and I e ordered one from Adam at Renault Wolverhampton. The tank is also s**t up again too.... My nice shiny new tank....

What happens now?! Obviously ill replace the seal and hopefully that'll stop the leak. (Although I can't see an actual leak!).

 

[Finney1811]

Was it the thermostat gasket? Mines got the same problem at the min