What Could Cause This?

[Udders]

This is the header tank water cap. M113 V8 engine with 56,000 miles on it.

 

[markjay]

Original coolant? Or has the coolant been replaced (e.g. when replacing thermostat or water pump)?

Also, any oily deposits in the coolant? And has the engine overheated at some point?

 

[Udders]

Don’t know to be honest. My son has only just bought the car. It does look like the thermostat housing has been recently changed. Apart from that I / we don’t know.

 

[W1ghty]

Don’t know to be honest. My son has only just bought the car. It does look like the thermostat housing has been recently changed. Apart from that I / we don’t know.

Dealer or private sale ? Might be worth a conversation with the seller just in case ?
Some prospective buyers have been known to put oil in the coolant to drop a car price ?
Keep any fluids if you decide to change them , just in case as evidence ?
Check the engine oil to see if there are any water issues (inside engine oil cap , white gunk ?)

 

[Udders]

It was a dealer. The car got sent back down to him to investigate / sort out. If my son isn’t happy with the end result he can get a full refund.
The car has lived its entire life in London and had what we think was a good long run for years up to Norfolk when my son drove it home. He was the first one to view it and put a deposit on it then so no foul play involved. It’s only done 56,000 miles in 20 years.

 

[Stevie777]

Had a similar problem with a Porsche Cayenne S turbo.
Cylinder head gasket test kit off eBay, less than £10, gave me the bad news.
London cars, short journeys.
Used to drill the oil filler cap 1mm on V8's and V6's to help them breath a little easier, worked a treat.
Good luck!