preasure in the radiator and oil in the water?

[dan031287]

I have just bought about 3 weeks ago a 1996 mx3 1.8 v6. I noticed that there was steam coming from under the hood i had alook and it was from where the radiator cap was venting. i am aware that it is most likley yo be due to the head gasket. but before i rip the heads of and change them, is there anything that can cause this?

[turbulence23]

first just buy a new radiator cap..

most likely it is just the rubber seal underneath the cap that isnt good anymore, thus letting off steam when the system heats up and pressure also builds up..

if that isnt the solution, then check if there isnt too much coolant in the system causing a overpressure in the system

[Daninski]

If your oil looks milky then there could be head gasket issues but Ya, it sounds like just the cap from what your describing.

[dan031287]

Hey thankyou both very much i will give it ago. another thing is that oil is pooling above the spark plugs i have checked for leaks and there isnt anythign obviouse any ideas?

[tehbrookzorz]

It's not uncommon for the grommets which come in the valve cover gasket set to leak oil into the spark plug holes. It's a matter of throwing some new valve cover gaskets/grommets in. I'd take care of that before the oil starts to eat through the spark plug wire boots.

[SmoothMX3]

I think you may need a water pump. That boiling your getting... It happened to me on my crx. I changed the water pump and everything was good after that. Do the cap and all first.

[dan031287]

You are all amazing filler cap needed replaceing all seems fine now. and the oil leak is the rings so illl get them sorted asap is it a big job or just a case of getting the inlet manifold and rocker cover of?