Signs of a head gasket failure?

OK, despite spending £700 on the engine being done - looks like I fitted a duff engine as its head gaskets gone. I couldnt be more fcuked off at the moment to be honest.

But before I go crazy and smash the shit out of the coupe - what other signs can I look out for to know its definately the head gasket?

I know the usuals;

White goo on the oil filler cap (which in the first week there was, but not seen it since)
Steam out of the exhaust (which there is, constantly at the moment)
Water level drop (Dropped half a litre in the past week)
Oil [and Bubbling when running] in the water overflow (Cant see any... I dont think)

Any others?


Ive got no guarantee with the engine - so am pretty fcuked, I bought it off a owners club 'technician' who assured me it was tip top, and he seemed genuie as he has helped alot of people on the site - he took this engine out so he could go for the F7R

Jags wrote: Get one of those sniffer tests done at a garage. Takes about 30 seconds and then you'll have an idea if it's gone or not.

Edit: could also try an new expansion cap just in case yours isnt holding pressure anymore, could turn out to be a very cheap fix.

Is the sniffer test to check for oil/gas chemicals in the water? Think I saw an AA guy do that before on one of my engines - it went purple, was the head gasket - I have way too many go on me despite never pushing the engine hard and always being careful. Just bad luck I guess

Well fingers crossed its not the head gasket, will keep running and testing it, oh and get a new cap!

Yeah Ive had that happen before, lost water really quickly and warped the head. Will be checking it after every journey and keep an eye on the temperature fo' sure!