Rover 825KV6 oil in Coolant Expansion Tank

I was checking my coolant level the other day and got a bit of a shock in that I spotted a bit of oil in there- a small amount of emulsification droplets amongst the blue antifreeze. Felt a bit like Rambo67's posts as there have been a few issues with this car recently



This is a 1998 Rover 825 KV6 and it had new gaskets fitted when only 3 years old ( 2001) at a mileage of around 20K miles ( cost £500 then) according to the history. Unfortunately they fitted the same elastomeric gaskets rather than the MLS ones , although there is no record of whether they had to , because of liner heights.



Anyway, the current mileage is only 60K miles and its 13 years since the last gasket change ...there are no other symptoms i.e no water in oil, no overheating, no pressurisation of system, no clouds of steam out the exhaust , no odd running , no heater problems.



I decided to drain the antifreeze out to start with and it didn't look too bad, however there was some emulsion in the bottom of the coolant reservoir - again not a lot. I flushed the system , cleaned the coolant header and will shortly be refilling with new OAT ( pink long life antifreeze). The big question is , should I consider an additive to seal up the start of this apparently small leak , presumably from the head gasket and from a failed bit of elastomer between an oil and water gallery and if so which one to chose .



In the past on other cars where the cost of head gasket change is prohibitive (as with this one too) , I have had some good results using K Seal, Steel Seal and Cargo Seal Up. The last 2 are Water glass ( Silicates) and the former is not, being a more conventional filler type.

However , I've only used these on water to air or water to cylinder leaks not Oil to water. Any ideas which of these might work or is there an alternative I've not considered.



Also is it possible the oil is from another source and how does one rule these other sources out . I 've read things about power steering coolers and inlet manifold gaskets , but how does one try to narrow it down.



Obviously when you buy an 825 you expect a catastrophe of some sought will inevitably happen with the engine/ cooling system, but I'm open to suggestions especially from anyone, who has extended their cars life by a few years by the use of a sealant



I've ruled out oil stop leaks as my understanding is that these are essentially seal swellers or seal conditioners, but I suppose I could try one of these too if there was any experience of these helping on the forums



There is no way I could afford a head gasket and belt change at this time and to be honest at any time really. Its also not a DIY job within my capabilities either



Any ideas welcomed



Dick

from the last news http://ift.tt/XjeKN7

via IFTTT