Mayonnaise in the coolant!

[smartsparky]

As a general question, has anyone experienced contamination of the coolant with oil leading to rather disgusting mayonnaise in the coolant bottle?

This often occurs when the head gasket is on the way out and oil finds its way into the coolant. However, head gasket failure is pretty unheard of on a smart as the engines tend to need rebuilding before.

I have a suspicion (concurred by Monsieur Fudge) but I would like to see what everyone else thinks first!

The car in question is a 2001 mk5 city-coupe.

Thanks in advance!

[10:45PM]

Re: Mayonnaise in the coolant!

I have a suspicion

which is what? The HG as you suggest

I'd go with the HG too on the face of it.

[coolfart]

Re: Mayonnaise in the coolant!

I'd be suspicious as well if you have mayonnaise in there.......keep it for chips!!!!

Whatever Fudge says, I'd go with!

[bilgladstone]

Re: Mayonnaise in the coolant!

If we're voting... head gasket.

[Messerschmitt Owner]

Re: Mayonnaise in the coolant!

did you do an engine conversion to a K series?

I reckon HGF too - I'll give you £70 for the car, Guvn'r - you know it's knackered and only fit for scrap now. :goodlk:

[Ferrina]

Re: Mayonnaise in the coolant!

It's definitely oil in the water from somewhere, so not only the possiblity of the HG leaking but other oilways near water in and around the engine cooling system. Sometimes it's just a breathing issue, so see if you are loosing oil and water first. What sort of journey's are you doing, it might be due to short runs?

[Thrumbleux]

Re: Mayonnaise in the coolant!

It froze???!!!!

[10:45PM]

Re: Mayonnaise in the coolant!

porous head mebbe ?

[smartsparky]

Re: Mayonnaise in the coolant!

It's definitely oil in the water from somewhere, so not only the possiblity of the HG leaking but other oilways near water in and around the engine cooling system. Sometimes it's just a breathing issue, so see if you are loosing oil and water first. What sort of journey's are you doing, it might be due to short runs?

The car isn't mine but it does proper journeys and gets up to temperature. I don't see how it can be a breathing issue. How can the coolant system breathe?

It froze???!!!!

I forgot to mention - there is antifreeze in the coolant! :p

did you do an engine conversion to a K series?

Certainly not.

I reckon HGF too - I'll give you £70 for the car, Guvn'r - you know it's knackered and only fit for scrap now. :goodlk:

Again - not my car! lol

The car is losing water but it is not obvious where. It does not drip when parked on the driveway so it can only be going internal (or to steam). Oil level is fine.

I'm interested that no one else has mentioned 'my suspicion'!

[2minits]

Re: Mayonnaise in the coolant!

TURBO

it has an oil way and water way within mm of each other, there is an internal crack and thats where the problem is!

[1977jill]

Re: Mayonnaise in the coolant!

TURBO

it has an oil way and water way within mm of each other, there is an internal crack and thats where the problem is....according to my old man!!!:p

[smartsparky]

Re: Mayonnaise in the coolant!

DAMMIT!! I should have excluded you from commenting!!!

[Yorkshire Devil]

Re: Mayonnaise in the coolant!

Our Mitsubishi Gas FLK has mayonaise occasionally in the oil but having just had a brand new head recently fitted Mitsubushi say condesnation can gather in the engine due to lack of use.

[smartsparky]

Re: Mayonnaise in the coolant!

Good point but this car does get used every day. :smile:

[Thrumbleux]

Re: Mayonnaise in the coolant!

For sure? Smart turbos are water cooled?