mk3 GTI Head gasket gone?

[L33]

Hi, just a few things really, i noticed today that the my 97 GTI (AGG engine) seemed a little rough running this morning, mis-firing at low rmp and bliping the throttle. then i removed my oli filler cap and saw the dreaded white goo, but only a very small amount, took it for a little drive till it had warmed up, checked the filler cap again and there was alot more white stuff . Does this mean the HG has gone? also i noticed even when fully warmed up, there was no pressure at all in the expansion tank :S

any idea's?

thanks

[sharki786]

how long was your journey? if it was less then 5miles then you dont need to worry about that as the breather causes that (i think)! i had that before and then after i took it for a longer drive that cream disapeared. check your spark plugs see if they in decent condition. im not a mechanic but the cream on oil cap is normal.

Hope that helps.

Sharki

[gazpowells]

Cream on the oil cap is normal especially with the cold weather, take car for a good run and see how it is then 

also the the miss fire at low revs could be damp in the electric so give them a blast with wd40

and do a search for other miss fire problems as their has been many posts before   

[Carl MK3 GTI 8V]

going on your explanation i would believe it could be a crack in the gasket leaking the coolant into your oil. particularly because the white goo is present wen the engines warmed up. at low temp its ok because its just condensation causing it but that should go once warm.
Do a compression test on each cylinder if you can that should show up the HG problem.
Also white smoke out of your exhaust is another indicator.
Hopefully its not as can be quite expensive to fix
Carl

[Gozza]

A better indication of the headgasket going is to smell the water in the expansion tank and also take out the dip stick. If that has gunk on it at the bottom then you can be certain its HG 

Guy on my forum has a similar issue

[h8v]

Does it use any coolant??

[boneybradley]

If it doesn't use coolant then i will say your head gasket is fine (and to be sure get a compression test done).. all engines if not warmed properly will get mayo and this will not totally disappear until the oil is flushed and changed (and with the poor 8v breathers they all seem to suffer!)