Unsure whether to buy

[dsearle]

Guys, I'm looking at an S4 and had the opportunity to test drive yesterday. Everything about the car was 'sweet'. I took a look under the hood and had a poke around. I didn't check the oil level however I did check the filler cap. I noticed a very small and I mean small amount of white creamy substance in the engine. I have read up on the usual causes for this and it seems I coud either have a head gasket problem or it could just be environment and moisture in the engine.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks,

Dave

[Pete.S]

Hi Dave

Haven't heard of head gasket failures on the B6/7. What mileage?

I presume you're talking private buy here - first thing I'd do if I was buying a car like this privately before I even lifted a finger would be to get a vehicle inspection done (RAC/AA etc). £140-ish. Well worth it on such a car IMO

[dsearle]

Thanks for the information. The seller is pushing for a 1000 GBP deposit to hold the car which makes me nervous. The car is at 29700 miles.

[Philws4]

Nice one Dave, couldn't resist the tempation to buy another 'S'.
Best of luck with your search.
In my experiance any 'white/creamy' substance inside the oil filler cap/neck is a sign of moisture within the engine and to be investigated further.
You can get a simple test done on the coolant fluid to check if there are any exhaust gases present,which will give you an idea if the head gasket has failed.As Pete has mentioned an RAC or AA inspection is well worth the peace of mind if unsure.
Is the seller up for having the car 'VAG-COM' scanned prior to any deal? if so i have the software and can do it for you.

[dsearle]

Thanks Phil,

I don't think the vendor will mind a VAG-COM check. I've got the RAC booked for tomorrow. Should have all the information at my fingertips to take the plunge!

I'll PM you about the VAG-COM.

Regards,

Dave

[dsearle]

I got the RAC inspection through. Only a few minor items which allowed me to pull the price down a little further. Wear on tyres etc but nothing major.

I am now the owner of an 04 S4 Avant in Mint condition. It's only done 30k and has hardly been run in. I'll get pictures up in a few days. Thanks again to Phil for helping me with a complete VAG read out. He bought my S4 (B5). It was superb seeing what you've done with the car.

Thanks again.

Dave

[Philws4]

[Amosu]

I got the RAC inspection through. Only a few minor items which allowed me to pull the price down a little further. Wear on tyres etc but nothing major.

I am now the owner of an 04 S4 Avant in Mint condition. It's only done 30k and has hardly been run in. I'll get pictures up in a few days. Thanks again to Phil for helping me with a complete VAG read out. He bought my S4 (B5). It was superb seeing what you've done with the car.

Thanks again.

Dave

Nice choice. Congrats

[tweek]

Hi All,

With regard to the oil/water mix in the oil filler cap, did you get to the bottom of what was happening here. I am interested because I test drove another S4 yesterday and this has the eaxct same problem.

The dealer's mechanic said it was due to condensation i.e. it had rained a lot (can't argue with that).

Would be interested to know what the RAC man said.

Thanks

Pete

[dsearle]

Upon inspection again there was no creamy substance on the oil filler cap. I must have been seeing things.

If you do see a creamy substance then it's a sure sign that water is in the mix (to some extent). I have been told that you can test to what extent using some kind of tool. Phil - can you comment?

How old is the car you are seeing? How many miles has it done? The engine's are not prone to the head gasket going so it's a surprise if you do indeed find a creamy substance. Give us more information and we'll try and help more.

Regards,

Dave