Is my Head Gasket Leaking ?

[TVR Horsepower]

Hi all, I suspect my HG is leaking, anyway the problem is when I undo the expansion tank top it is always pressurized even when cold also the system bubbles and gurgles as I take the top off. I did have an increase in water level once but that seem ok now, these are the only problems atm. Could it be another problem or is it HG...........RV8 5.0 1996. Thx for any advice.

Cheer's Garry :-(

[Milky400]

could be a number of things, thermastat, otter, bloked rad etc. Remove the oil filler cap and look to see if there is a milky residue around the top of it, if there is this is a sign of water mixing with oil aka HG issues, also dirty water in the system could be a sign!!!

[TVR Horsepower]

Wow Milky that was a fast reply, Anyway back to the story just been out in the Chim and now got lots of steam from the exhaust...duh!...but no milky stuff on oil cap, there is a bit of brownish residue in the coolant but thats always been there. Could it be the valley gasket?

[triac]

Milky400 said:

could be a number of things, ......... otter,

Yeah them pesky Otters in your cooling system, why can't they find a nice river somwhere

[Milky400]

Personally i prefer Beaver!!!

Ok I'll fetch me coat

[thegman]

TVR Horsepower said:

Wow Milky that was a fast reply, Anyway back to the story just been out in the Chim and now got lots of steam from the exhaust...duh!...but no milky stuff on oil cap, there is a bit of brownish residue in the coolant but thats always been there. Could it be the valley gasket?

brownish residue is just rust in the coolant - pretty normal on an old radiator

[rev-erend]

Tests other than the water usage and water in oil (mayonaise) are :

Chemical analysis of cooling water (kit) and
CO meter held just above the opened pressure cap of the cooling system .. both probably need to be done at a Garage if you don't have lots of kit at home.

[tubbystu]

TVR Horsepower said:

Anyway back to the story just been out in the Chim and now got lots of steam from the exhaust...duh!...

Head gasket leaking water into exhaust valve passage maybe ?

[grahamw48]

Sounds like head gasket, unless you have a steam engine.

Also it should be down on power.