My Zafira 1.6 comfort is getting hot when in traffic and i have an oil leak but not sure where it is coming from. I think it could be head gasket how can I check to see if it is?

Matt Wyatt, April 2006

the main ways to tell if your head gasket has gone are water in the oil (the dip stick and oil filler cap will be white and creamy) or oil in the water (water will have an oily film) of course with either of these you will not actually loose fluids. if you are loosing fluids then check for steam or smoke coming from the exhaust.
if you are experiencing none of these, then its time to check the cooling system, first check to see if the cooling fan cuts in when hot, if it doesn't then its the temperature sensor, usually screwed into the radiator about half way down. if it is working then change the thermostsat!!

good luck with it!

Mike Payter, May 2006

Hi, my zafira is doing the same. I was wondering could it be the thermostat not working???? or the head gasket? I was told that if the water needs topping up and the oil on the dipstick is watery then its the head gasket??? but not sure about this. I will keep you posted....mark

Mark Griffiths, May 2006