Hi, we have a Citroen Saxo 1.1 2002. Recently had the cambelt changed and have now noticed that there is oil in the water, not showing as white sludge on the cap but drops of brown in the water resevoir. Also the temperature rises higher than was normal. Can you tell me if the Head Gasket would normally be changed at the same time as the cambelt and also would they have new tensioners etc put in.

IanH, August 2008

Hi Ian, No the head gasket would not be touched during a cambelt change, if the head gasket has gone take it to an independant garage and they can do what is called a "sniff test" it's a chemical that changes from blue to yellow if the gasket has gone, was the cambelt change done as a routine maintenance or was it from a belt failure as with a failure there is always a possibility of internal engine damage!

nigel, August 2008

the head gasket wouldnt be changed during a cambelt change and the tensioners would depend on whether you asked for a timing belt, or timing belt kit to be changed. Most garages would advise you to put a kit on rather than just a belt but this is not always the case.

steve b, August 2008