What to do first??

[ZedEyez]

Confession - i have never worked on a car before

I recently purchased a 1.9 140bhp Z3....1999..... 93000 miles

Service history - Last service was 8(!) years ago @92916 miles oil service/inspection 1... replaced oil pressure switch
Also documented is a new water pump and power steering pipe leak repair in July 2018 at the same time as an MOT
--------
The coolant is a brown rusty colour and there is a very feint/thin oil layer reflection when i look down into the tank. The coolant appears watery not sludgy.
No residue on oil filler cap
Mild white smoke from the exhaust which is more obvious with acceleration
The car seems to run ok... slightly rough on idling but intermittent.
Temp gauge will only reach 11 o'clock position on a run

My plan was to replace the drive belts because the rubber is cracking and also to flush/replace the coolant and change the thermostat.

The white smoke is making me worry about a head gasket issue.

My question is - shall i crack on with the belts/coolant/thermostat and see how the car runs after that OR should i be taking the car to a garage to check for possible head gasket issues first. OR is the white smoke/rust coloured coolant expected because the car has only driven approximately 100 miles over the past 8 years?

Thanks

 

[andyglym]

@Lee @t-tony are just two of the many tek guys that will be able to advise.

to the Forum from West Cumbria.

 

[t-tony]

Confession - i have never worked on a car before

I recently purchased a 1.9 140bhp Z3....1999..... 93000 miles

Service history - Last service was 8(!) years ago @92916 miles oil service/inspection 1... replaced oil pressure switch
Also documented is a new water pump and power steering pipe leak repair in July 2018 at the same time as an MOT
--------
The coolant is a brown rusty colour and there is a very feint/thin oil layer reflection when i look down into the tank. The coolant appears watery not sludgy.
No residue on oil filler cap
Mild white smoke from the exhaust which is more obvious with acceleration
The car seems to run ok... slightly rough on idling but intermittent.
Temp gauge will only reach 11 o'clock position on a run

My plan was to replace the drive belts because the rubber is cracking and also to flush/replace the coolant and change the thermostat.

The white smoke is making me worry about a head gasket issue.

My question is - shall i crack on with the belts/coolant/thermostat and see how the car runs after that OR should i be taking the car to a garage to check for possible head gasket issues first. OR is the white smoke/rust coloured coolant expected because the car has only driven approximately 100 miles over the past 8 years?

Thanks

White smoke and rusty coolant typical signs of head gasket failure. I would get a combustion gas test carried out first thing.

Tony.

 

[ZedEyez]

Thanks Tony.

I'll get the test arranged

 

[cpallenjr]

There could be lots of moisture in the oil/engine and fuel if it has been sitting for a long period of time. I would do the oil change and cooling system flush. Possibly drain the fuel tank or add Heet or other gas dryer before worrying too much about the head gasket. Do the belts and thermostat after you see the results of the fresh fluids.

 

[t-tony]

Thing s a combustion gas test will be relatively inexpensive at the side of new oil (6.5 Ltr), filter, new coolant and fuel then still find the head gasket is blown.

Tony.