S Type 2003 - possible blown head gasket

[gavinparker1983]

Hello everyone

 

I am new to this forum. I have a Jaguar S Type 2.5 V6, which has 128,000 miles and is on a 53 plate.  The car was my dad's and was always serviced regularly.  

 

Recently it has been overheating. Not regularly, but every now and again. I have been told I have a small coolant leak so I have been topping up the car on a regular basis.  I'm aware this is not ideal but I don't have the finances to have it looked into at the moment. 

 

Today, while driving, the engine began making very unusual noises. Almost like it wasn't in the right gear - a juddering, knocking sort of noise. I noticed the engine temperature gauge increase slightly passed normal, then sink below normal.  At that moment, something 'popped' in the engine - plumes of white smoke came out of the exhausts, from under the engine and then into the car cabin. It wasn't just steam, there was loads of it. 

 

I pulled over immediately. My engine bay is covered in some sort of liquid.  

 

I've done a bit of research and I think this sounds like the head gasket has gone. I did check under the Oil filler cap a day or so ago and it had no sludge but I haven't checked it since. 

 

Does this sound like a head gasket to you? Are there any other checks I could do?  The car is obviously parked up and I haven't started it or done anything else to it since this happened.  

 

Any help is much appreciated. 

[Old Peter]

Welcome to the Club, Gavin.

 

I think you are right - unfortunately.

 

Others with more technical savvy that me will assist.

 

Peter.

[gavinparker1983]

Hi Peter, thanks for your reply.