Urgent Advice Needed

[yaris781]

Hi guys

Hope you can help me. (non Rav4 question)

My sisters mini has been overheating and as per usual she's not mentioned it. Anyway went to check it and when I opened the radiator cap it was like a gooey brownish colour. Does that mean the head gasket has gone

I m not good with mechanics and any replies would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

[mystic]

Is the oil level down?

Coolant level down?

Any smoke?

Loss of power?

You could try flushing the coolant system. Take a pic and post it here, easy to tell when you can see the problem.

[yaris781]

Hi, the oil level is fine but it coolant level is down. Since its been topped up its not overheated but coolant level is down. The expansion tank is empty, however the radiator is full at the moment

It's not smoking or losing power

Thanks for your reply I will get picture as am using phone at the moment

[igormus]

she has two ways -- to check with cap gasket packing (system pressurization lose) or check with head gasket

regardas / Igor

[yaris781]

picture of the radiator cap

Any advice appreciated

thanks

[anchorman]

Its probably not good Ash. Take it to a garage on Monday to see what they say but it looks like your suspicions are correct.

[mystic]

That looks like oil, if it is then you have head gasket failure.

[yaris781]

Thanks for replying guys

[igormus]

picture of the radiator cap

Any advice appreciated

thanks

yes there are an oil signs.any leaks from the cooling pump? / hoses?a deep investigation in the garage is required.regards / Igor

[DjRav]

Is the oil level down?

Coolant level down?

Any smoke?

Loss of power?

You could try flushing the coolant system. Take a pic and post it here, easy to tell when you can see the problem.

I'd say back to answer Number One.

Flush the system and start afresh. Then see what happens after a few days. Worth a try before paying out at the garage. I had an old car sludged up like that and all it needed was a "hosing" through the radiator etc.