General help think me panda is buggered!!!!

[d miller]

help !!!! checked me oil earlier and there was a mayonniase tye stuff on my oil cap ,not sure wot this means for the 900 engine on my dance . could it mean my head gasket is gone?,only just done the rocker cover gasket and the motor has only done 30000 mls hhheellllppp!!!!!!!!

 

[polecat]

Head gasket is a possibility but if you only got 30k on a J reg then it could be condensation due to short cold runs. Check sump oil via dip stick or drain plug, also check water for signs.

Dave.

Marea 2.0 20v
FIATcentral window sticker
Blue gaiters
Blue sidelights
Blue interior lights
Blue lacquer on engine
Feeling blue
Ecotek fitted, removed and waiting for warm weather
So much to do, so little time.... and Totally Skint!!

 

[John H]

Don't panic.

As Dave says - almost certainly due to short runs, and not warming up enough.

Does it get up towards the 90 degree mark in the first 5 or 10 minutes driving, or does it creep up to 60 or 70 degrees?
If the latter you need a new thermostat. (Don't forget the 50-50 antifreeze mixture)

Is the oil on the dipstick anything other than golden, or few few shades darker?
If so, new oil and filter would be kind to it.

Even if the head gasket has gone on this (903) engine, it's by far the easiest to do.
You need time, a small number of ordinary tools, the (cheap) FIAT gasket set, and maybe a Haynes manual (very cheap secondhand on Ebay).

 

[d miller]

spot on temp stays at just over 50 even on long run ie 50 miles or more .got a haynes so will do thermostatand oil change etc cheers