Concerned about Head Gasket

CITMAN · Post by **CITMAN** » 15 Dec 2002, 19:14

I have 1995 Citroen ZX 1.4i with 72000 miles on the clock. It already has a oil leak from the head gasket at the front corner nearest the cambelt. Which has recently got worse from a damp patch to the oils new route of going down the block its not a really bad oil leak but is a concern.
There is a little oil in the coolant and has been like this since the head gasket was changed about two years ago for the same problem.
Today on checking the coolant with engine running and not a operating temperture i noticed that revving the motor shortly after it returning to idle bubbles appeared the expansion tank. But later with engine at operating temp I carefully removed the expansion tank cap and did the same again no bubbles appeared.
The engine doesnt overheat accept the temp gauge does seem to move up slightly with the motor under load. It doesnt use much if any coolant. There doesnt seem to be much pressure in the coolant system with hoses fairly soft when squezzed.

bencowell · Post by **bencowell** » 15 Dec 2002, 22:03

If you have an oil leak near the cambelt get it changed now, as any contamination on the belt could mean new engine time....

jmd · Post by **jmd** » 15 Dec 2002, 23:14

Is it your Rocker Cover Gasket, or the Head Gasket.A two year interval seems a very short life span for a Head Gasket. I would not expect to be changing a second Head Gasket with your mileage,if it is a Rocker Cover Gasket it may only need to be tightened down,slightly & evenly, on all bolts. Do ensure that you take the previous reply seriously regarding the Cambelt getting contaminated.
Edited by - jmd on 15 Dec 2002 18:17:04

CITMAN · Post by **CITMAN** » 15 Dec 2002, 23:59

Thank you for your replys. I have been told that the oil leak is common problem on the TU engine. I was told this by a few citroen specialists and a dealer. I have been checking the belt at regular intervals the first sign of oil on the belt i will get it soughted again.

bencowell · Post by **bencowell** » 16 Dec 2002, 02:48

Can you tell me more about this common oil leak, is it from the head gasket? However, the rocker cover would be an easy place to repair. Assuming the rocker cover seal is the black one that sticks out, mine is cracking in the corners.
Ben

CITMAN · Post by **CITMAN** » 16 Dec 2002, 16:51

On the citroen TU engines 1.1, 1.4 and maybe 1.6. After a period of time the head gasket starts to leaks around the main oil feed to the cylinder head. Its not usually problem, however when it gets bad it can get on the cambelt which is very bad and will eventually result in it breaking and wrecking the engine. HOwever another problem with the head gasket is that oil can get into the coolant when the leak is bad, but again only worry if the coolant is heavily contaminated with oil. Oh and also watch out for water in the oil which can also damage the engines internals if left. Decided to have done two years ago becuase it started to p**s out, but has started to leak a little know oh well we live and learn.