Please help a newbie

[nickcarter]

Hi everyone,

Just bought an 04 1.2 dynamique. Originally needed a bit of help with a minor problem, but now worried I have a seriously expensive one. What I assume to be soundproofing on engine bay bulkhead, has foil section where it is near exhaust manifold, and this has started to peel off. I suspect this is down to steam cleaning by dealership valeters. What can I safely/securely stick this back on with please??

What worries me more though is the creamy sludge inside the oil filler cap! Not very much, and doesn't look like it's been there long, but still made my heart sink when I saw it. Should've checked it when I viewed the car but fell for the umpteen point health check gag. Obviously oil and water mixing somewhere but is it definitely the head gasket and will it get v. serious v. quickly?? Not losing oil or coolant and both seem in good condition. Car drives fine.

I am in Liskeard, Cornwall. Can anyone local to me recommend a good Renault specialist?


Can anyone steer me in the right direction here? Would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Ade182]

Before worrying about a possible head gasket failure, take it for a good, long blast and then re-check the oil cap. Lots of short journeys can cause this build up.

 

[DrR]

99% sure this is normal on the 1.2s

 

[nickcarter]

Thanks guys, assumed the worst. Has mostly done short journeys since I got it. Will give it a run and monitor the situation.

 

[Beasley Clio182]

Will most definatly be from the short journeys ! 1.2s seam to get that a lot !

My 1.3 fiesta use to do it as well! Clear the crap out check the oil level , give it a really good run around and check again !

 

[Dan@SJM]

I believe I'm the most local specialist to you, but I'm in Somerset.

Is the car used for alot of short journeys?

 

[nickcarter]

Thanks everyone, much appreciated. Dan, think you're a bit far away mate, but thanks anyway. Have you got any ideas re heat shield??

 

[ben_init]

just want to say, mine has always done this, coming upto 5 years of ownership. dont worry just give it a clean out once ina while.

if you check where your airpipe goes in, theres a breather pipe which connects to it, im sure it mixes there, because i find it there too

 

[nickcarter]

Thanks ben, very reassuring. Mortified when I first saw it tho.

 

[Beasley Clio182]

Thanks ben, very reassuring. Mortified when I first saw it tho.

Heart sink moment nothing worse , if you do have 5 take dan up on his offer and pop it down for a check over none the less, cant put a price on piece of mind !