Have just got her back from SE having had a replacement to a cracked head that put all (and I really mean all!!) the oil into the coolant system. After 100 miles the water seems slightly oily to the touch. Could this be residual oil that was clinging to the hoses and other internals or have they cocked up?

I would only start worrying if water starts appearing in the oil. Remove the dipstick and check for any signs of oil contamination. Also remove the oil filler cap and check there too. The chances are that if oil is getting into the water then water is getting into the oil. To be sure why not just drain off the coolant and give the cooling system a good flush through with a hose, refill and keep an eye on it for a few days.

 

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Sounds the same as happened to Crazy Eddie !

 

I would expect a little oil to remain in the system - it will be very difficult to remove every last drop and a tiny bit of oil goes a long way in water. Flush it through a few more times, preferably with hot water and some detergent and see if it goes.

Hi Posidrive, just got mine back and still had some gundge and oil in it. This kind of problem needs to be run through, so Pete put some rad flush through it and I ran the car for a 100 miles. They then cleaned it out completely.

 

This morning I was still flushing oily residue out from the rad myself (although there's hardly any left now), I guess it's gonna take time.

 

These cracked heads are nasty things, don't happen offen then 2 come along at once.

 

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crazyeddie.co.uk

brave-orchid.co.uk

I'm pretty sure that they've done a good job since it's all much neater and tidy under the bonnet than the previous Nissan workshop managed when the gaskets went (just glad the previous owner paid for that)

 

Anyone know what the vacuum operated solenoid next to the turbo/vacuum guage sensor is? Interestingly they've blanked off one of the vaccum connections. She sure runs better now, I would have had trouble pulling away from a GTI prior to this work .