Hi - Just bought an 03 1.4 Petrol Zetec, and found - after only a 100 miles or so what looks like water getting into the engine oil - As per att'd pics -

Remember on a coupla old 83 Escorts that I had there was a filter inline with the crankcase breather I think it was that used to get completely bunged up with this yellow gunge - All I used to do was clean it out every 1000 miles or so - After being assured by a mech' that it was just due to the engine being "over aspirated" (or something similar! - was a long time ago).

Just sold a 98 Finesse which never had any such filter, and never showed any signs of this yellow gunge in the filler cap, oil etc.

Any advice appreciated - have ordered a workshop manual for the bugger, but not rec'd it yet - So, there's no visible filter, but am wondering if there is one somewhere buried under all the Duratec black plastic!

Cheers

Pete

That's a lot of "mayo" as its called in the world of mechanics and garages. Are you actually loosing coolant?

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Thanks for reply - No, collant is all at stable levels - so not sure what's causing it?

Thanks for reply - No, collant is all at stable levels - so not sure what's causing it?

It does look like HG failure but the other thing that could possibly account for it is if the car is used only for very short trips and the engine never gets hot enough to burn off any condensation. Check that your coolant doesn't look oily and then perhaps drain your oil, flush and refill.

was just gonna suggest changing the oil n filter asap. mayb take of the rocker cover and clean inside that.... head gaskets are really easy to do on these.... just remember if you tackle it urself get new stretch bolts......

Thanx boys - think u could have hit the nail on the head - short trips - Will clean gunge out and give a few good long runs then compare - but also prob' do an oil/filter change and then rocker cover off - thanks for tip on bolts

Much appreciated - will post back on hopeful resolution of problem!

Pete