carla5

Hi,

Quite new to all this but you guy's & Gals have been very helpfull in past.

Just notcied over past couple of days my car seems to be running crap, I started it this morning and it did start first time but was coughing and spluttering when idleing and more than normal exhaust fumes but drives fine when moving doesn't hesitate and pulls fine??

noticed too when I first turned key this morning sounded like water rushing into something???

Just had the top hose (3 way hose) blow too last week had the part replaced, I didn't run the engine dry and the temp gauge is fine but I was just wondering if this could be causing the crap ideling.

Also noticed I seemed to have topped the water up 3 times now but can't see any leaking out.

Going to change the plugs and leads if it persists and take from there.

But any help would be greatly appriciated - thanks

magentasafchris

Sound's like head gasket if you're losing water,could have gone between the oil and water jacket's. Could be leaking water in to the oil jacket's and vice versa. Don't be put off by the sound's of head gasket usually meaning big dollar, zetec engine's are quite easy to do head gasket repair's on. Obviously first step is get it checked properly by a garage or certifiable mechanic at least. Ifthere is any white cream stuck to the bottom of you're oil filler cap than that is a little tell tail sign but if it's only at the early stages it might not be there yet. Might be wrong but the voice of experience in my head screm's head gasket.

tabetha

If there are defo NO external leaks/or matrix etc but it is losing water, then you are looking at a head gasket most likely.
This would give poorly lumpy running until warmed a bit so that any water then entering the combustion chamber is boiled away, it would also smoke more, and as said you MAY get water showing on the dipstick, if bad enough.
They are a doddle to do though, but will normally cause a tiny crack in the head but this can be skimmed out, if it is fixed early.
tabetha

carla5

Many thanks for those replys people, think your both spot on with what it could be, the poorly lumpy running is exactly what it's doing especially when ideling (like boiling water!!) and theres a swooshing noice when you rev when idled too.

Am I looking at a few £100 quid to get repaired, and is it worth doing asap?

Thanks again for replys x