Coolant is very foamy! .. why?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,877
Likes: 13
From: Doha
St. Jude Donor '08
Coolant is very foamy! .. why?
Today I decided to drive the vette out to a nearby car wash place, I've noticed that the engine heat is a little more than usual (210-215) so I thought maybe the coolant level is low, as I didn't drive it for the last 2 months. when I got back home, I let it cool then I noticed that the level is indeed low, I started the engine and started to add coolant, I noticed that after the engine got a little warm, the coolant started to be VERY foamy and started to over flow all over the place!!! .. I smelled it and it didn't have any oil smell in it. I closed the cap and its still overheating (maybe worst that before!!) .. what do you think the problem is??? My car is a '71 big block with Dewitt's radiator and dual spal fans, I'm using a %100 distilled water + two cans of 40* below additive.
Do you think I may have a bad head gaskets???
Do you think I may have a bad head gaskets???
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,004
Likes: 7
From: Adelaide South Australia
..... I've noticed that the engine heat is a little more than usual (210-215) so I thought maybe the coolant level is low, as I didn't drive it for the last 2 months. when I got back home, I let it cool then I noticed that the level is indeed low, I started the engine and started to add coolant, I noticed that after the engine got a little warm, the coolant started to be VERY foamy and started to over flow all over the place!!! ..
Do you think I may have a bad head gaskets???
Do you think I may have a bad head gaskets???
Fill your cooling system with water to the neck of the filler cap when motor is cold, and check for bubbles after starting it.
Assuming that block water jackets are filled, any bubbles appearing will verify that it's a blown head gasket, releasing combustible gaspressure into cooling system.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
If it's an automatic, verify that the transmission cooler has not failed. Look for coolant in the trans fluid. It it is, you will probably have to rebuild it as the water attacks the glue that holds the clutch facings on.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
It could also be that there is a small leak in the water pump intake area and it is pumping air into the system. Unlikely, but possible. Tighten all the water pump bolts and hose clamps, just to be sure.
Limping across the line
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,299
Likes: 109
From: Peoria Az
Ethylene glycol (anti-freeze) will increase your boiling point and aid in reducing corrosion.
You should run at least a 25% Glycol to water solution.
Might be foamy because it was low & air got whipped into system by water pump.
Fill it & monitor levels of all fluidss
You should run at least a 25% Glycol to water solution.
Might be foamy because it was low & air got whipped into system by water pump.
Fill it & monitor levels of all fluidss
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
a lot of those additives (ie redlines water wetter) have corrosion fighting and lubrication properties built into them.
also, i know i thought i had a bad head gasket on a car once and the mechanic tested it by filling a tube looking thing with this yellow liquid and mixing it with a sample of coolant. he said any hydrocarbons in the coolant will turn the yellow liquid black.
cant remember the name of the stuff though but supposedly it was a fool proof way to know for sure.
also, i know i thought i had a bad head gasket on a car once and the mechanic tested it by filling a tube looking thing with this yellow liquid and mixing it with a sample of coolant. he said any hydrocarbons in the coolant will turn the yellow liquid black.
cant remember the name of the stuff though but supposedly it was a fool proof way to know for sure.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
a lot of those additives (ie redlines water wetter) have corrosion fighting and lubrication properties built into them.
also, i know i thought i had a bad head gasket on a car once and the mechanic tested it by filling a tube looking thing with this yellow liquid and mixing it with a sample of coolant. he said any hydrocarbons in the coolant will turn the yellow liquid black.
cant remember the name of the stuff though but supposedly it was a fool proof way to know for sure.
also, i know i thought i had a bad head gasket on a car once and the mechanic tested it by filling a tube looking thing with this yellow liquid and mixing it with a sample of coolant. he said any hydrocarbons in the coolant will turn the yellow liquid black.
cant remember the name of the stuff though but supposedly it was a fool proof way to know for sure.
Do all you other tests first, but be aware that if you did not use exactly the same brand of additive each time, these days it can cause foaming. Another good reason is to empty, rinse and refilf yearly.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,877
Likes: 13
From: Doha
St. Jude Donor '08
.. are you serious?? the maximum here is about 100-110F during the summer.