possible head gasket symptoms

[richard hare]

as title rearly..
2003 1800 turbo..
bfb engine code..
160000 miles..
new cam belt/water pump aux belt and tensioners about 1000 miles ago with oil and coolant change...
symptoms are as follows...
rapid coolant loss(6 mile trip to work requires a top up of about a pint)..needless to say im running on 100%water now...
white smoke/vapour out of exhaust...intermitent..
oil looks clean...
dip my finger in the coolant res...little bit of oily residue...
pulled plugs...they look good with even coloration..
looked at pistons with a torch...they look even in colour (sooty black)
cant see any signs of leaks around the engine(dont think it would explain white smoke anyway)
i suppose pressure checks are needed what do you guys think...
also would it be possible for the turbo to seep coolant internaly..
just trying to get some idears before i pay for the head gasket....
thanks for any ideas or advice....richard

 

[QuattroCalum]

First suspect would be the oil cooler, these are well known to fail. Have a look on this thread http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/451248-Head-gasket-or-oil-cooler

 

[pauldazzle]

Get a sniff test done then you can rule in/out HG failure.

 

[VagCabby]

Deffo check the oil cooler, mine went causing oil to enter the coolant tank.

 

[richard hare]

thanks for the replys guys..
the cooler was my first thought..but would this deplete the coolant that fast and cause the vapour without showing signs of contamination in the oil.
it only smokes when the car is revved up not at idle if that helps..
which is why im kinda thinking it could be turbo related...
cheers...richard

 

[QuattroCalum]

Oil cooler tends to be intermittent fault but head gasket, when it's gone it's gone. Besides, oil cooler is the cheapest option that would probably be changed when you did the head gasket anyway.