another 'Hellmans' saga...

[Time Searcher]

ZT-T 120+ bought new in March 2006, yes I know it was built in March 2005, took it with us when we moved to Central Portugal in 2009 with the intention of keeping it until - well, until it became just not worth it anymore.
Now, at 59,800 miles on the clock and been relatively trouble free, it looks as though someone has put half a jar of Hellmans into the engine oil.
I have always been a keen owner and put it through all the Service Schedules, fitted a 'Gerry-Tee' in 2008, also fitted the Hans Digital gauge and I know that the Water Temp. has never gone into the danger zone.
I have not noticed any drop in performance either.
Until last month during a weekly check of the Rad water level, I saw that it was below the low mark. 1 litre later it seemed O.K. but at the next week check it was LOW again. This week it again needed a top up and my concern made me check the Oil-Dipstick and there it was - mayonnaise - No sign on the Rad. Cap and none on the Oil Filler Cap. There has not been any drop in performance but after reading a lot of the posts on this Forum, I believe that it is a 'HGF situation', and after a visit to my local MG Service Garage, yes there is one here but I have never used it up to now, their assessment effectively confirmed my suspicions.
They are prepared to fit parts that I supply so I have ordered the 'Ultimate K Series Head Gasket Fix - with the N Series bits' from DMGRS which should be with me by the middle of next week.
I feel that not being close to help, as when we were in the UK, this really is the only course of action, as I said above - this car is a 'Keeper'...
Had I been still in the UK I would perhaps have tackled this repair myself, but I feel a bit vulnerable out here...

[dentricrio]

I'd try Inlet manifold gasket first

[Mike Noc]

The inlet manifold could well be leaking, but I can't see it causing the mayo problem, as coolant has to get into the oil for that, and it only leaks into the cylinders via a manifold leak.

[Yorkshire GOC]

Originally Posted by Time Searcher

ZT-T 120+ bought new in March 2006, yes I know it was built in March 2005, took it with us when we moved to Central Portugal in 2009 with the intention of keeping it until - well, until it became just not worth it anymore.
Now, at 59,800 miles on the clock and been relatively trouble free, it looks as though someone has put half a jar of Hellmans into the engine oil.
I have always been a keen owner and put it through all the Service Schedules, fitted a 'Gerry-Tee' in 2008, also fitted the Hans Digital gauge and I know that the Water Temp. has never gone into the danger zone.
I have not noticed any drop in performance either.
Until last month during a weekly check of the Rad water level, I saw that it was below the low mark. 1 litre later it seemed O.K. but at the next week check it was LOW again. This week it again needed a top up and my concern made me check the Oil-Dipstick and there it was - mayonnaise - No sign on the Rad. Cap and none on the Oil Filler Cap. There has not been any drop in performance but after reading a lot of the posts on this Forum, I believe that it is a 'HGF situation', and after a visit to my local MG Service Garage, yes there is one here but I have never used it up to now, their assessment effectively confirmed my suspicions.
They are prepared to fit parts that I supply so I have ordered the 'Ultimate K Series Head Gasket Fix - with the N Series bits' from DMGRS which should be with me by the middle of next week.
I feel that not being close to help, as when we were in the UK, this really is the only course of action, as I said above - this car is a 'Keeper'...
Had I been still in the UK I would perhaps have tackled this repair myself, but I feel a bit vulnerable out here...

Try the T-Cut test for HGF - take her out for a good 10 mile burn at motorway speed - park up overnight and next morning open expansion tank - if there is an audible hiss this indicates exhaust gas in the coolant system - if all ok there will be no pressure in the system. Best of British luck.

[roverbarmy]

My low miles 05 1.8 NA had a film of oil in the header tank. As it needed a cambelt change anyway, I had the head gasket checked and it was leaking between the oilway and water jacket (top left looking from front - usual place). A replacement elastomer (manufacturer uprated with extra sealant on the bit between the WJ and oilway) was fitted and no problems since. It never overheated and ran perfectly. Use the liner heights to determine which gasket you use.

[Time Searcher]

Originally Posted by Mike Noc

The inlet manifold could well be leaking, but I can't see it causing the mayo problem, as coolant has to get into the oil for that, and it only leaks into the cylinders via a manifold leak.

NOTED, thanks...

[Time Searcher]

Originally Posted by Yorkshire GOC

Try the T-Cut test for HGF - take her out for a good 10 mile burn at motorway speed - park up overnight and next morning open expansion tank - if there is an audible hiss this indicates exhaust gas in the coolant system - if all ok there will be no pressure in the system. Best of British luck.

Friends in this evening so will not be able to try this test out today, wish I had found this out in my searches, but I shall certainly do so tomorrow as we can use Mrs TS's car for the weekly shop...
I shall report back.
The Parcel from DMGRS is on its way here now, I guess that it will be needed at some time if not now

[Time Searcher]

Originally Posted by Yorkshire GOC

Try the T-Cut test for HGF - take her out for a good 10 mile burn at motorway speed - park up overnight and next morning open expansion tank - if there is an audible hiss this indicates exhaust gas in the coolant system - if all ok there will be no pressure in the system. Best of British luck.

Took the Car out today to do this test, a careful but quick sprint - 5 miles on A Road to the Expressway Junction and then a speedy 5 mile dash back at about 120Km/h which equates to c73mph I believe, on the Expressway.
Facts - Before engine start, checked Oil dip-stick, NO MAYO on dip-stick!. Outside Air Temp was 23°C, Rad Temp 22°C at startup. Usual Rad Temp 84°C reached after 2 miles and it wasn't until I was 1 mile back on the Expressway that it reached 88°c, where it stayed until I left at my home junction. It then dropped back to 85°C and Outside Air Temp had risen to 25°C, where it remained until I parked it in my garage, bonnet unlatched.
This evening, some 12 hours later, I decided to check the Expansion tank - There was the only fainest of 'SIGHS' when I released the Rad. Filler cap, and there was only a slight amount of MAYO on the end of the dip stick.
My Repair Kit from DMGRS is now in transit and expected here by next Tuesday, I intend to take the car to the MG Garage in town and see what he finds when he has a look inside.
I 'need' to have this car back to long-term efficiency again soon as I have a motoring visit back to the UK planned for the mid Autumn...

[Yorkshire GOC]

After standing for 12 hours i would expect , if all OK, no noise - however others on here have reported that there cars do "sigh" when the expansion tank is opened and they have no issues with the car. Another indicator is whether the expansion tank smells of exhaust following a stiff journey. Let us know what your mechanic finds.

[DMGRS]

Do keep us posted with how you get on - I expect the kit shall be with you soon.
And thank you for the order, of course!