Help!! Oil in coolant tank

[beckiee]

Hi, I have recently purchased a 206 GLX 1.4 Petrol, 75,000 miles. I have noticed that there is an oily 'mayo' substance inside the coolant tank along with it around the cap. I have checked the oil cap and the dip stick but this 'mayo' substance is not present, there are also no air bubbles within the oil on the dipstick. I have not noticed any loss of power , overheating or any white smoke at all. My immediate thoughts were head gasket problems but did not want to jump to conclusions and am just looking for some advice really.
Thanks

[berniebaby]

classic head gasket. Could be from previous owner if not had long. Call AA get them to do test best idea

[Gibbo]

If the temperature has changed quite noticeably recently this can happen.

Every autumn the MG Rover forum used to fill up with panicky posts like this and most of the time it was this - mine included.

Most garages can do a pressure check for you for peace of mind.

[berniebaby]

pressure test will be expensive as need to remove head. Just testing through spark plugs will not find a gasket leak around the oil and water ways. Garage didnt find it through spark plug pressure test. If previous owner had head gasket done it could leave the residue behind. AA will do a 'sniffer' test for free on the water contamination.

[307pugpete]

I think that is what Gibbo is inferring to. Chemical dye in the water header tank to check for exhaust gasses.

If your not an AA member a decent garage should be able to do it for a few quid.

As Gibbo says , it could just be condensation but that is only generally around the oil filler and dipstick.

[richiepearce]

I would say Gibbo is referring to the test whereby a special cap is connected to the expansion tank then the coolant system is pressurised via a pump the gauges will show if the system is sound.
Beckiee how much mayo is around the cap and in the coolant? It maybe that it has had a problem in the past and not been flushed properly, a pic would be helpful if pos.

[berniebaby]

Originally Posted by richiepearce

I would say Gibbo is referring to the test whereby a special cap is connected to the expansion tank then the coolant system is pressurised via a pump the gauges will show if the system is sound.
Beckiee how much mayo is around the cap and in the coolant? It maybe that it has had a problem in the past and not been flushed properly, a pic would be helpful if pos.

The AA man did this for me too ... free well £20 a month

[Gibbo]

Originally Posted by richiepearce

I would say Gibbo is referring to the test whereby a special cap is connected to the expansion tank then the coolant system is pressurised via a pump the gauges will show if the system is sound.
Beckiee how much mayo is around the cap and in the coolant? It maybe that it has had a problem in the past and not been flushed properly, a pic would be helpful if pos.

That's the one!