Hi Guys

 

Just had a look at a 1990 uk spec manual TT for sale.

Under the oil filler cap, there was a small amount of white residue. The owner said the car had been standing for 3 weeks. We went for a 10 minute drive. On re-examination of the oil filler cap some residue remained. I got him to rev the engine whilst I looked at the exhaust. A jet of water flew out of each tailpipe (std system). Will leaving a car standing for 3 weeks result in such a build up of water?

 

If it is a knackered head gasket, very roughly how much are they to replace?

 

Also the oil pressure gauge didn't give any readings. Is that just a faulty gauge?

 

 

Thanks

 

 

Jon

its hard to say without seeing it but-

 

moisture in the oil can cause a small amount of emulsion on the filler cap & is not always cause for concern.

 

again, water can build up in the exhaust & run out esp when cold. tho if its actually shooting jets out i would be concerned! :eek:

 

how does the water level look, is there oily residue in the coolant? does coolant gush out with the engine running & cap off? does it misfire at all or lumpy tickover?

 

it is a fairly costly & labour intensive job to do.

 

oil pressure gauge is *probably* just a sender unit.

 

get it professionally checked before buying if you have concerns about it is my advice :)

If in doubt walk away, you sound like you are in doubt.

 

The white crud under the oil cap is not a good sign, I think its water contamination that does this, which would be consistant with the exhaust water.

 

The stock oil guages are not very good, but it should be reading something so that sounds a miss too.

 

How much have you got em down to if you dont mind me asking?

I dont know about the water out the exhaust.

 

I know that when I do an oil change water pisses out my exhaust for a few mins after I do it.

 

As for the stuff on the oilcap. It could be a moisture from standing for a while but where has it come from? It could be a leaking head gasket.

 

Stuart

In that state the car aint worth much more than £2500 regardless of any other parts. Is there any sludge on the end of the dip stick??? I'm surprised the car hasn't actually had an oil change b4 the sale. If it has been changed then there's a definite HG or head problem.

 

HTH

 

CheerZ,

 

Andy

Thanks for all the advice.

 

Paul; Unfortunately I didn't check the condition of the engine coolant. The engine did run smoothly though.

 

b19rks; The seller was asking £4500. I didn't make an offer owing to my concerns about the water.

 

Andyduff; The dipstick was gunge free. However, the seller had very recently changed the oil!

 

 

Umm...I think I'll walk away from this one. Shame it looked a beaut.

 

Cheers

 

Jon

Recently chaged oil and fresh sludge - nice :( Walk straight away unless this is VERY cheap.

 

CheerZ,

 

Andy

Originally posted by JonJon

Thanks for all the advice.

 

Paul; Unfortunately I didn't check the condition of the engine coolant. The engine did run smoothly though.

 

b19rks; The seller was asking £4500. I didn't make an offer owing to my concerns about the water.

 

Andyduff; The dipstick was gunge free. However, the seller had very recently changed the oil!

 

 

Umm...I think I'll walk away from this one. Shame it looked a beaut.

 

Cheers

 

Jon

If you really like it ask him that if you got the RAC or AA to inspect it would he be prepared to knock half that money off the price ?. You can always bid him down later. If he says no then walk away. If he is ok with it being inspected then he may not know of any problems. What's his reason for selling ?

Originally posted by smw1

If you really like it ask him that if you got the RAC or AA to inspect it would he be prepared to knock half that money off the price ?. You can always bid him down later. If he says no then walk away. If he is ok with it being inspected then he may not know of any problems. What's his reason for selling ?

 

 

He was pretty ungenerous with the test drive so I doubt he would be too happy with entertaining an AA inspection.

He's selling it because he's just bought a 328i auto.

Originally posted by JonJon

He's selling it because he's just bought a 328i auto.

Well in that case he's obviously a little bit on the stupid side :)

Walk away!he knows its head gasket shot,bet you any money on it!:(

Definately walk away,keep looking and the right one will come along.

Cheers,

F.T.