Overheated breakdown...advice please

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May 23, 2005 | 07:39 AM

vetteonr

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Oct 2003

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From: Prescott Arizona

Overheated breakdown...advice please

While cruising over the weekend, my temp gauge shot all the way to the max and I started hearing a ticking sound from under the hood. White/gray smoke was pouring out the back so I pull over and the car died right there. After it cooled down, I found that the lower radiator neck was breaking loose from the radiator. That I can fix, but here's my question. There was some oil underneath the car and a little on the hood. The dipstick showed there was no coolant in the oil, and it was still full. What are the chances when the car overheated, that I blew a head gasket? I'm also going to do a compressed air cylinder test. Has any one ever done this, and how accurate is it in determining if the head gasket is blown? Also, after it cooled down, it started and ran quiet and I still had good oil pressure. Thanks to all in advance.

May 23, 2005 | 07:55 AM

gearheaddroppings

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jul 2004

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From: Detroit MI

St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10

You're probably alright. I threw a fanbelt on the freeway in my Corvette. Same thing, temp shot way up (230-240) and the engine started "wheezing".

You're going to need to change your oil. I've never done the compressed air test, but a normal compression test should tell you if you have any head gasket issues.

Good Luck

May 23, 2005 | 11:38 AM

BigBlockk

Drifting

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From: North Bend Ohio

A compression test will tell you more about the internal health of an engine than any other single test. If this were my car I would change the oil and try to start it before I put water in it. If it starts and runs fine it will probably be OK. If not, the compression test will tell you where the problem is. Starting it up and running it for 15 seconds with no water won't hurt it if there's nothing wrong with it and it won't make the problem any worse if there is.

BigBlockk

Later.....

May 23, 2005 | 03:06 PM

ruby76

Drifting

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From: Fairview Heights Illinois, near Saint Louis MO, STL C3 Shark

huh. Mine consistantly runs at 220-240 on the interstate...... one of these days I'll get around to looking at my radiator. - don't get on the interstate that often.

Back to your issue, I'd see if she'll start. If it does you could check vitals with a vacuum gauge. Then shut it off after a couple of minutes.

May 23, 2005 | 03:40 PM

gearheaddroppings

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jul 2004

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From: Detroit MI

St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10

[QUOTE=ruby76]huh. Mine consistantly runs at 220-240 on the interstate...... one of these days I'll get around to looking at my radiator. - don't get on the interstate that often.

Might not be a bad idea. 220-240 isn't good. Things tend to break within that heat range from my experience.

May 23, 2005 | 04:19 PM

Budman68

Le Mans Master

Joined: Sep 2000

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From: DFW TX

Cruise-In VII Veteran

St. Jude Donor '07

Get one of those pumps that hook on to the radiator cap, pump it up and watch for a drop. If you loses pressure, you probably will see a leak or coolant will show up in the exhaust. Also pull your spark plugs and read them.

May 23, 2005 | 07:08 PM

chris75stingray

Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 2005

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From: Mesa AZ

does it still blow smoke when you start it?

May 24, 2005 | 07:06 AM

vetteonr

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 2,033

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From: Prescott Arizona

Thanks for replys guys. It does start and run fine with no smoke or tapping noise. I'll fix the radiator and do the air compressor test next, after, of course, I change the oil. By the way it sounds, it may be ok when I get the cooling system back to normal.