BLOWN HEAD GASKET QUESTION.
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Los Angeles CA
BLOWN HEAD GASKET QUESTION.
If you have a blown head gasket will your coolant temps be high
while driving on the highway or just in street traffic.
[Modified by compajd, 3:15 AM 4/7/2004]
while driving on the highway or just in street traffic.
[Modified by compajd, 3:15 AM 4/7/2004]
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
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From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: BLOWN HEAD GASKET QUESTION. (compajd)
I'm not sure about that one but if exhaust gasses are gett into coolant you will see bubbles. A pressure testor on the radiator cap position will tell the story.
If higher than normal temps are the problem, pull the shroud and clean debris from the front of the radiator and test the t-stat.
If higher than normal temps are the problem, pull the shroud and clean debris from the front of the radiator and test the t-stat.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Albuquerque NM
Re: BLOWN HEAD GASKET QUESTION. (compajd)
The coolant temp are dictated only by the ability of the coolant to cool the motor, which is pumped around, if the thermostat allows-the radiator will then cool the coolant.
As far as a blown head gasketm you'll want to look for clues...basically the three things that it is holding back: 1) high pressure combustables, 2) Engine oil, and 3) Coolant. Look for anyone of these "fluids" where it shouldn't be. For example, normally lost coolant can be found in the oil pan. Not as often, but I have seen it is when the oil ends up in the coolant. Finally, *yet another reason to keep your block clean) look for black soot around the gasket area.
Hi coolant temps simply mean that the coolant system isn't cooling the sensor, or the srnsor is bad. HOWEVER, It is not alone a indicator of a bad head gasket.
If any thing I would check/replace your thermostat, and clean out between your radiators.
As far as a blown head gasketm you'll want to look for clues...basically the three things that it is holding back: 1) high pressure combustables, 2) Engine oil, and 3) Coolant. Look for anyone of these "fluids" where it shouldn't be. For example, normally lost coolant can be found in the oil pan. Not as often, but I have seen it is when the oil ends up in the coolant. Finally, *yet another reason to keep your block clean) look for black soot around the gasket area.
Hi coolant temps simply mean that the coolant system isn't cooling the sensor, or the srnsor is bad. HOWEVER, It is not alone a indicator of a bad head gasket.
If any thing I would check/replace your thermostat, and clean out between your radiators.
If you have a blown head gasket will your coolant temps be high
while driving on the highway or just in street traffic.
[Modified by compajd, 3:15 AM 4/7/2004]
while driving on the highway or just in street traffic.
[Modified by compajd, 3:15 AM 4/7/2004]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
Re: BLOWN HEAD GASKET QUESTION. (ZD1)
Milky looking oil? loss of coolant? oil in the coolant? continous steam from the exhaust? if you have any of thoughs indications do a compression test :rolleyes: if you're just running high temps-check for debris in front of radiator-if clean try replacing thermostat-180 works well in my 87 :thumbs:
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From: Los Angeles CA
Re: BLOWN HEAD GASKET QUESTION. (rick lambert)
Huge Thanks guys. The reason I asked was because I did the following:
1) Pulled and Cleaned the radiator. (Pressure washed it)
2) Replaced and Tested the Thermostat.
3) Replaced the Rad Cap
4) Checked the coolant for oil and it was fine.
But the darn analog temp sensor still gets up to 260 on a hot day. Coolant sensor is fine 190-220. I do notice a slight loss of power when the car gets hot. I guess I'll just take it to a shop get a pressure test done.
1) Pulled and Cleaned the radiator. (Pressure washed it)
2) Replaced and Tested the Thermostat.
3) Replaced the Rad Cap
4) Checked the coolant for oil and it was fine.
But the darn analog temp sensor still gets up to 260 on a hot day. Coolant sensor is fine 190-220. I do notice a slight loss of power when the car gets hot. I guess I'll just take it to a shop get a pressure test done.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
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From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: BLOWN HEAD GASKET QUESTION. (compajd)
You could likely buy the pressure testor for close to what the garage will charge and you would then have the tool. They come with complete instaructions and you can even use it to test the cap.
One question is whether the temp gauge is accurate; a scanner will tell what temp the ECM is seeing.
But since you notice a power loss my guess is that the coolant temp is realy getting that hot. A temp rise of 60deg F will cost close to 20chp.
One question is whether the temp gauge is accurate; a scanner will tell what temp the ECM is seeing.
But since you notice a power loss my guess is that the coolant temp is realy getting that hot. A temp rise of 60deg F will cost close to 20chp.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
Re: BLOWN HEAD GASKET QUESTION. (compajd)
If you're getting up to 260-you've got a problem-and if you did what you posted-stop driving and give it a compression test! And you don't pressure wash these radiators, the fins are to sensitive to that type of pressure-you clean them very carefully-with no more than LOW garden hose pressure, and make sure your cooling fan(s) are comming on :seeya
[Modified by rick lambert, 10:46 PM 4/7/2004]
[Modified by rick lambert, 10:46 PM 4/7/2004]
