I own a Renault Clio Dynamique Billabong 1.2 2003 mge is 52,000, Last week it started to judder like it wasn't firing properly, the next day the coolant light started to flash, i checked my coolant level and its was on the min line. I topped this up and all appeared fine.
That afternoon i drove approx 60 miles and everything appeared fine, as arriving at my destination the juddering started again, i checked the oil level and its fine so i removed the oil filler cap to find chocolate spread like substance around the hole. Carefully i drove home again and for the majority of the journey the coolant light flashed, it wouldn't go any quicker than about 60 mph.
I have been advised that it is the Head Gasket, whilst looking on line for a replacement i came across a couple of forums and 1 said if most of your journeys are short then the problem could be a build up of moisture thats not boiling off, how do i check ?

Leigh, March 2010

take your car to a respectable garage and they will probably charge an 1 hours labour (£30) for the test, as for the head gasket it could be £500 + ?. Dont forget the extras such as new oil and filter, coolant, head re-skimmed, possible new timming belt and all gaskets. DON'T go to a Renault dealer as they will rip you off.

granty, March 2010

Thank you, does anyone know how much a compression test is and if it is the Head Gasket how much this will cost to repair

Leigh, March 2010

have a compression test done this will show for sure if the head gasket has gone,

steray, March 2010