Hi all.

Mk8 1.1 TI-VCT,  39K Km (25K miles).

It's having its 6 years service done tomorrow at the dealership where I got it second hand 3 years ago. Oil was changed 2 years ago during its last service at the same dealership. I regularly check oil level and, as far as I can tell, since it's quite difficult to tell the oil level in that dip stick,  it's been always at its max level.

Anyway, I've seen that stain today. Is that a head gasket leak? Can anybody tell just from that photo? (2nd photo just for reference). 

I tend to be quite pessimistic, so I always fear the worst...

Any opinions will be welcome.

Thanks!

I've found more extensive leakage this morning before my appointment for the service. The service manager at the dealership has told me it's more like a "sweating" than a leaking, that it shouldn't occur, but it's not unusual and I shouldn't do anything about it at this point. 

 

Please, anyone? I'm kinda obsessed at this point. 😣

44 minutes ago, Kolmo74 said:

The service manager at the dealership has told me it's more like a "sweating" than a leaking, that it shouldn't occur, but it's not unusual and I shouldn't do anything about it at this point. 

Does the dealership sell these stickers?

 

Seriously though, I think I'd have to agree with the dealership at this point.  It's not worth the massive cost of repair until you get more symptoms.  Ultimately, a slightly damp block isn't hurting anyone.  It's only if oil starts mixing with coolant or burning in the cylinders that it would need fixing.

Thank you very much for your answer, I really appreciate it.

Lol, don't know if they're selling those stickers but I really want one now.

Only things I know is, as far as my knowledge allows me, there's no oil in the coolant reservoir, I haven't noticed any blue smoke, the oil in the dip stick looks clean, not like a milkshake or whatever. The oil cap is clean and dry, but it's hollow in its inner side, so don't know if I can use it as a diagnosis or not.

Other than that, the car runs perfectly fine, even for a naturally aspirated 85hp petrol, I've done under 2K miles since its last service two years ago, and I'm one of those people scared of revving the engine. 

 

I'm really grateful for your answer, you can't imagine how much in fact. 

 

Beat regards! 

If you're only doing that many miles per year, and planning on keeping it, I would get in the habit of changing the oil at least every year.

Leak doesn't look serious, but I'm sure the dealer will have great pleasure in quoting you £0000s to fix it (and not actually fix it, just spray some solvent on it) as you are well out of warranty

Update: Servicing finished. Looks like Ford doesn't consider it as a leaking, or they're just waiting for the extended warranty to expire a consider it a leaking. Although, after reading the fine print it turns out gaskets are not covered, so... 🤷‍♂️

2 minutes ago, DaveT70 said:

If you're only doing that many miles per year, and planning on keeping it, I would get in the habit of changing the oil at least every year.

Leak doesn't look serious, but I'm sure the dealer will have great pleasure in quoting you £0000s to fix it (and not actually fix it, just spray some solvent on it) as you are well out of warranty

Yes, from now on I'm planning to change oil more frequently. And as I just said before, the car is still under extended warranty, warranty that covers near to nothing. So far I've got replaced a window motor and the fuel pump.

 

After coming back from the dealership I've gone to another shop, the one that made al the maintenance and repairs to my previous cars, he says it's not serious but that he'll check it anyway. Thank you everyone for your advice. 🤗