Blown head gasket

[green_henry]

This was really unexpected. I check the fluids on a pretty regular basis, and before I went to go for an oil change, I noticed that the coolant level looked normal. During the oil change, the technician said "You're coolant reservoir is empty". WTH? Coolant temps were normal, so I said thanks and I would check it later.

Well, I get home, and sure enough, if looks like it's empty -- it wasn't, but the fluid was milky so it pretty much matched the color of the tank. When it cooled down, it looked normal again (pinkish orange), but I knew something was wrong. I took it to the shop, and they did a pressure check, which indicated a blown head gasket. Argh.

I haven't been to the track since 2023, and I can't imagine doing anything since then that would have blown it. It seems to drive fine, so I'm assuming it's relatively minor (at this point) but I don't want to press my luck.

I ordered the Mountune head gasket, and we're going to take care of the timing chain and water pump at the same time. Big, expensive repair, but the incremental cost over the timing chain isn't too bad. With only ~65k, it's worth it to me.

Wish me luck.

 

[Zeille]

good luck & godspeed brother

 

[sczamun]

Oil in the coolant reservoir feels like oil cooler instead of head gasket. How much do you trust the shop?

 

[Downsy]

Oil in the coolant reservoir feels like oil cooler instead of head gasket. How much do you trust the shop?

I agree with this, especially if you have no other symptoms of a blown headgasket like sweet smell or smoke from exhaust, overheating or something similar. What does the oil look like on the dipstick after it runs?

 

[green_henry]

Oil in the coolant reservoir feels like oil cooler instead of head gasket. How much do you trust the shop?

I agree with this, especially if you have no other symptoms of a blown headgasket like sweet smell or smoke from exhaust, overheating or something similar. What does the oil look like on the dipstick after it runs?

Good feedback. Thank you.

I don't recall the conversation verbatim, but I believe that they detected a problem with cylinder #2.

I haven't run it since I brought it home, but previously, I checked the oil when it was cold, and it looked normal.

I'm resigned to changing the timing belt and water pump anyway -- has to be done eventually -- so upgrading the gasket (and the thermostat) are worth the peace of mind to me. But I will definitely quiz the shop on the oil cooler angle on Monday.

On a side note: excellent service from Mountune. They shipped the gasket immediately, and it's already here. Looks great, fwiw.