Vauxhall Corsa B (1993 - 2000) - 97 1.2 emulsion in the oil reservoir

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Thu 7 May 2009 00:15
97 1.2 emulsion in the oil reservoir - theho
My girlfriend's car (it is really!!) has a significant amount of emulsion present in the oil reservoir. What does this mean? It also keeps losing water and over heating, although there is no evidence under the car even when running, i'm assuming there is a leak in the cooling system but I'm more concerned about the oil reservoir at the moment. I've no idea when it last had an oil change and service, she's in denial and wont let me talk about it! She's hoping it'll last another 2 months (without spending money on it), is there any chance? Would an oil change prolongue it's life at all? Any advice would be appreciated.
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Thu 7 May 2009 00:38
97 1.2 emulsion in the oil reservoir - bathtub tom
Let's have a ballot on this one!

Head gasket?

I presume by 'oil reservoir' he means filler cap and not sump, and I hope I'm not accused of homophobia by calling him a he.........time for bed said Zebedee.
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Thu 7 May 2009 10:30
97 1.2 emulsion in the oil reservoir - theho
Yes he does mean the filler cap (i'd be good if I could see into the sump!!) and the car is actually called Bertie!
What is the oil mixing with to cause the emulsion effect?
Is it just a disaster waiting to happen then? Would the best spent money be on breakdown cover?
Thanks
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Thu 7 May 2009 10:46
97 1.2 emulsion in the oil reservoir - Peter.N.
If its only ever used on short runs - its not getting hot enough, take it on a long fast run.
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Thu 7 May 2009 10:52
97 1.2 emulsion in the oil reservoir - mike hannon
That should just about finish off the head gasket...
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Thu 7 May 2009 11:23
97 1.2 emulsion in the oil reservoir - Peter D
As you are loosing water and overheating then the mayo may the the indicator that the HG has failed. Befor any long run take it to a garage thet can sample the coolant or in fact sniff the gases in the header tank and confirm the HG failure. Do not leave it it will come back and bite you. Regards Peter
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Thu 7 May 2009 11:29
97 1.2 emulsion in the oil reservoir - theho
Thanks peter, very useful. I will advise....then buy her a bicycle!
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Thu 7 May 2009 14:19
97 1.2 emulsion in the oil reservoir - kithmo
Although head gasket is is a good probability in this case, looking from the optimistic perspective, the overheat and loss of water could be the water pump leaking and the mayonaise (emulsion) on the cap could be short journeys.
IIRC the water pump is driven by the cam belt on these and if it leaks slightly the water will evaporate as it runs down the warm engine before it gets to the ground so no water will be seen on the ground under the car.
A possible temporary solution, which may keep it going for a couple of weeks, is to remove the thermostat so the engine stays cool and keep topping it up with water.
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