I need recommendation from any one who may be able to help me. I recently bought a Volvo 340 F reg from ebay, it was a bargin and in mint condition seeing it had a years tax and MOT. Since having the car I have changed the break pads, disks, top hose and water pump.

The problem I am finding is that black gunk keeps appearing in the water expansion tank, it feels of an oil consitency but the oil level is not decreasing. During the last oil change we looked to see if any water had entered the oil but none was to be found, which is a good sign I hope.

The water pump has been changed and only good antifreeze is being used. Is there are possibilty that the head gaskett has gone, if so, would it be a major job to change or would it mean that the lower seals may be distrured.

I am not brilliant when it comes to the technical side but would appreciate any suggestions from anyone. I don't want to get rid of the car and really don't want to pay for a re-conditioned engine.

Please help.

Thank you in advance.

Regards,

Oliver Kinchin

Welcome to the forums. I advise you post in the technical or engine forum. The It's your turn to speak part is aboout website suggestions and you may not get many replys

it could easily just be gunk from the radiator. flush the system out and put some new coolant in, see if it stilll happens

Im with 5LAB on that one mate, you need to start with the cheaper, easier ideas then work your way up. There is a real good chance that it could be just sludge, remember it is an older car now and coolant may not have been changed often in the past. Just flush the system through really well and that could sort it out. Good luck!

Hi

I agree with these guys...start with the simple things first.

I'd drain and flush the coolant system and then see if the black gunge comes back.

Sometimes oil in the water system ( but no water in the oil system ) is caused by something as simple as someone ( previous owner.... ) filling up the water tank at a gas station but using one of the water cans there which has some oil in it...... therefore you get oil in water....

flushing the radiator is easy, just stick a hose into the top or bottom hose of the radiator and direct the other hose into a bucket etc... then flush the system in reverse... ie water hose / pipe in top radiator hose first.... and flush with strong water pressure then.... water hose / pipe in radiator
bottom hose

This job is much easier with the radiator removed, also, avoids you soaking the engine bay!!

As for flushing the engine and heater side of the coolant system.... I've never done this...Haynes has some tips I think....

Good luck and keep us posted...!!

Shimon