staining Near Cylinder head

[DaveyB]

Just had the car serviced and the exhaust replaced. just got to fit the lower arms and drop links when I have the time. Then everything is sorted for the summer. Well thats what I thought.javascript:void(AddText('[&:]'))javascript:void(AddText('[]'))

The one item mentioned on the service report - staining around cylinder head. Basically that means the Cylinder head gasket is leaking I assume. How big a job to take ther head off and replace the gasket?

It does't appear to loose water, and it runs fine. And there's no mayo in the header tank. A bit in the oil filler tube, but I would expect that to a certain degree.

Will the work and bills never end.

 

[NXI20]

It's a huge job & one I wouldn't be in a hurry to do. "Staining" can mean many things, not all of them bad. Any pictures? The first test for a blown gasket would be to test the coolant for combustion products. Has that been done?

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

Like Nick says, "staining" could be caused by a multitude of minor things, so don't leap to a conclusion too quickly. I would simply get someone to look at it, and tell you in simple terms what they think it is, rather than just that it is staining, with no diagnosis.

 

[DaveyB]

Spoke to the garage that serviced my car and mentioned the staining. More on the service later.

On the right hand cylinder there is a small green streak leading away from the gasket. They said it was dry (which I would expect if the engines hot), and they said it didn't look new. So the advice was just keep an eye on the coolant level.