MG ZT 2.5 V6 2003-suspected head gasket problem

brassbigal · 13th February 2014, 17:58

I've recently bought a 2.5 v6, I went to check the water in the water coolant and found it needed topping up, I topped the water up and drove it a couple of times over the weekend, I then checked the oil and the oil filler cap and found a mayo type substance inside the oil filler cap and inside, I don't know if the car has been standing for a while as there was quite a bit of mould in the car. There is no overheating and it has not lost anymore water since. Could this be a head gasket problem or does the engine oil just need flushing out and replacing. Any suggestions please.

tareim · 13th February 2014, 18:07

Just give it a clean and see if it comes back, I had it on mine, wiped it clean, haven't seen it since, I think it's due to short journeys

Paulontour · 13th February 2014, 18:19

The KV6 doesn't suffer head gasket failures like the K series 4 cyl. They can fail like any head gasket can but very rare. Its more than likely a little condensation that will eventually burn off.

Moonshine Mark · 13th February 2014, 18:45

Keep an eye on the water level, if it goes down at all have a look at the thermostat housing, inlet manifold gaskets and the expansion tank cap.

Do you have any history of the cambelts and waterpump being changed as the pump can also leak?

If you suspect the car has been sat a while I would also check the lower coolant rail as these are prone to rusting.

Also worth bearing in mind the maximum markings on the header tank, they are a lot lower down than you would think.

With regards to the mayo, the KV6 needs a good run clear out all condensation, if only used for short journeys it's quite common to see a little mayo.

KV6 Head Gasket failure can occur but it's probably not what you are experiencing.

t5tart · 13th February 2014, 18:51

also d you do a lot of short trips without the car getting fully up to temp (and I dont mean the needle going to 9 o'clock) well known for the KV6 to get mayo build up through condensation

stevestrat · 13th February 2014, 19:28

How much coolant are you putting in it? The MAX level is at the lip on the bottom of the tank, see pic below. If you overfill the tank it will spit the excess out giving the impression it is losing coolant.

rrobson · 13th February 2014, 22:52

Usual explanation for dropping coolant level and mayo if the car definitely HAS NOT overheated is the oil cooler

brassbigal · 14th February 2014, 19:39

It doesn't seem to be losing water, but the temp gage is not overheating, it's just when you have the heater on there is like an engine smell in the car, any ideas what this could be, and thank you for all your previous replies and help.

MrDoodles · 14th February 2014, 19:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by brassbigal

It doesn't seem to be losing water, but the temp gage is not overheating, it's just when you have the heater on there is like an engine smell in the car, any ideas what this could be, and thank you for all your previous replies and help.

Have you checked that you have a pollen filter?

Fusilier · 14th February 2014, 19:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by brassbigal

It doesn't seem to be losing water, but the temp gage is not overheating, it's just when you have the heater on there is like an engine smell in the car, any ideas what this could be, and thank you for all your previous replies and help.

Have you checked the oil breather pipes, they are very brittle, and break easy, and they tend to let the fumes into the car.

Remove engine cover, and there is a black pipe going from the front and back bank, and then it goes into the throttle body, it will most probably be broken at the T piece

have a look at this thread to give you an idea

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...l+smoke+inside

new one availabile from Rimmers

http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-GRID999773

or you can buy a 10mm T piece from ebay, and carefully remove the old plastic inside the tubes and fit one of these

Stu

13th February 2014, 17:58	#1
brassbigal Newbie MG ZT Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Swadlincote Posts: 22 Thanks: 8 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	MG ZT 2.5 V6 2003-suspected head gasket problem I've recently bought a 2.5 v6, I went to check the water in the water coolant and found it needed topping up, I topped the water up and drove it a couple of times over the weekend, I then checked the oil and the oil filler cap and found a mayo type substance inside the oil filler cap and inside, I don't know if the car has been standing for a while as there was quite a bit of mould in the car. There is no overheating and it has not lost anymore water since. Could this be a head gasket problem or does the engine oil just need flushing out and replacing. Any suggestions please. Last edited by brassbigal; 13th February 2014 at 18:01.. Reason: Missed model number

13th February 2014, 18:07	#2
tareim I really should get out more....... MG ZT+ 160 v6 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Bridgwater Posts: 2,272 Thanks: 73 Thanked 233 Times in 210 Posts	Just give it a clean and see if it comes back, I had it on mine, wiped it clean, haven't seen it since, I think it's due to short journeys __________________ https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-x...h96-no/Sig.png My Project Thread

13th February 2014, 18:51	#5
t5tart Posted a thing or two MG ZT cdti Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Northants / Bucks border Posts: 1,815 Thanks: 260 Thanked 204 Times in 182 Posts	also d you do a lot of short trips without the car getting fully up to temp (and I dont mean the needle going to 9 o'clock) well known for the KV6 to get mayo build up through condensation __________________ now with ZT Diesel power after killing the connie and the zt180 combusting see my scrapbook thread check your sunroof drains and plenum drains http://www.buddy-icons.info/img/smile/1609.gif members who do t4 diagnostics map

13th February 2014, 22:52	#7
rrobson I really should get out more....... 75 tourer cdti, MG ZS 180, nissan terrano & 1.8t rover 25 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Pontefract Posts: 2,647 Thanks: 17 Thanked 295 Times in 218 Posts	Usual explanation for dropping coolant level and mayo if the car definitely HAS NOT overheated is the oil cooler __________________ How to view a car - everything you need to help you inspect a used car VIS motor tester avalible to local members Injector removal tool and auto gearbox pressure tester now available

14th February 2014, 19:39	#8
brassbigal Newbie MG ZT Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Swadlincote Posts: 22 Thanks: 8 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	MGZT suspected head gasket problem It doesn't seem to be losing water, but the temp gage is not overheating, it's just when you have the heater on there is like an engine smell in the car, any ideas what this could be, and thank you for all your previous replies and help.

13th February 2014, 18:19	#3
Paulontour Avid contributor MGZT 190 and MGF VVC Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Nuneaton Posts: 214 Thanks: 16 Thanked 28 Times in 18 Posts	The KV6 doesn't suffer head gasket failures like the K series 4 cyl. They can fail like any head gasket can but very rare. Its more than likely a little condensation that will eventually burn off.

13th February 2014, 18:45	#4
Moonshine Mark I really should get out more....... 2005 Monogram Atmosphere ZT CDTI Auto + 2010 BMW 123d Convertible + 2005 MG TF 160 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Winchester, Hampshire Posts: 2,202 Thanks: 37 Thanked 194 Times in 159 Posts	Keep an eye on the water level, if it goes down at all have a look at the thermostat housing, inlet manifold gaskets and the expansion tank cap. Do you have any history of the cambelts and waterpump being changed as the pump can also leak? If you suspect the car has been sat a while I would also check the lower coolant rail as these are prone to rusting. Also worth bearing in mind the maximum markings on the header tank, they are a lot lower down than you would think. With regards to the mayo, the KV6 needs a good run clear out all condensation, if only used for short journeys it's quite common to see a little mayo. KV6 Head Gasket failure can occur but it's probably not what you are experiencing.