hi, just been out to check the felicias essentials (oil, coolant etc.) and noticed there was a white mayonaise like substance on the underside of the oil filler cap. Does this mean that the head gasket has gone? If so what steps will I need to take to correct the problem?

Thanks in advance

P.S. I know very little about engines and i'm trying to learn

YEP - YOUR HEADGASKET HAS GONE! DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR OR YOU WILL BLOW THE ENGINE UP :shocked:

:P Only kidding. The oil filler cap surround acts as a breather and it is perfectly normal to get the mayo accumulating. Give it a wipe out - it shouldn't reoccur to heavily too quickly.

However the head gaskets do blow quite frequently on the 1.3 engine, I know as I've had several. As long as the coolant stays nice and clean (oil free) and there is no coolant loss, there is nothing to worry about.

As tom said keep an eye out for brown slime in the coolant.

You can delay this abit by letting the car warm up correctly, i.e. not ragging it from cold.