Possible head gasket gone

[Dave_GU_ACT]

All, I'm having a think about a problem my 2002 guiii 3.0 Di is having. I'm using coolant at the rate if about 4l per 400k. There's a sweet smell at the exhaust and there is no visible leaks of coolant. There's no oil in the coolant and no coolant in the oil but there's a noticeable power loss. Not a great deal but I notice it.. My question is does anyone else think it's the head gasket?

[4bye4]

Sounds like it mate.

[kevin07]

is your exhaust pipe popping

[Dave_GU_ACT]

Can't say it is? Under idle or load?

[kevin07]

idle is good enough if it sounds nice and smooth your not dropping compression on a cylinder put your hand behind the pipe and feel it

[Dave_GU_ACT]

It still runs like that. Idle produces no odd noises or loss of pressure, just a sweet smell..

[Dave_GU_ACT]

Its also sometimes hard to start.. If left for a little while

[kevin07]

may be a small crack opening when hot you need to get pressure test on the rad and for gasses. when its cold have you opened the rad cap and seen if its bubbling at all

[Dave_GU_ACT]

I've looked for that too. Hard to tell with such a small opening and I don't believe I can see the bubbles.. Not like the old days of old holdens and fords eh? Lol

[Dave_GU_ACT]

Also wanted to say it's not always using coolant at that rate.. Sometimes it's a lot lower

[kevin07]

I hate problems that don't slap me in the face testing time

[Dave_GU_ACT]

Yep.. That's what i was thinking.. So I asked the brains trust and you've just confirmed what I was already thinking.