Obvious Signs (requiring immediate attention):
* White smoke from the exhaust: This is a classic sign. White smoke indicates coolant is entering the combustion chamber. If it smells sweet, it's almost certainly coolant.
* Loss of coolant: Check your coolant level regularly. A significant and unexplained drop strongly suggests a leak, possibly the head gasket. Look for puddles under the car, too.
* Overheating: The engine overheating, despite having sufficient coolant, is a major red flag. A blown head gasket prevents proper cooling.
* Mayonnaise-like substance in the engine oil: This emulsion is formed when coolant mixes with oil. Check your dipstick.
* Bubbles in the coolant reservoir: When the engine is running, look for bubbles rising in the coolant expansion tank. This indicates combustion gases entering the cooling system.
* Loss of compression: This is a more advanced symptom, requiring a compression test to confirm. Low compression in one or more cylinders suggests a blown head gasket or other internal engine damage.
Less Obvious Signs (may require further investigation):
* Rough running engine: The engine may run poorly or misfire due to the ingress of coolant or air into the cylinders.
* Loss of power: A significant drop in engine performance can be a symptom, though this could also be due to other issues.
* Coolant in the oil or vice versa: This is a more subtle version of the mayonnaise sign. A visual inspection of both fluids may show signs of contamination.
Important Considerations:
* Diesel engines vs. Petrol Engines: Some symptoms are more pronounced in diesel engines (like white smoke) compared to petrol engines.
* Other possible causes: Some of these symptoms could indicate other problems, like a cracked cylinder head or a faulty coolant pump. Don't jump to conclusions before a proper diagnosis.
Diagnosis:
A definitive diagnosis requires a thorough inspection by a mechanic. They might perform a pressure test on the cooling system and a compression test on the cylinders. A leak-down test can also help pinpoint the exact location of the leak. Don't attempt to fix this yourself unless you have significant mechanical experience, as improper repair can cause serious engine damage.
In short, if you suspect a blown head gasket on your Rover MG Turbo Diesel, don't ignore it. The longer you wait, the more extensive and expensive the repair will become. Get it checked by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
