Temp Problems
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Dyer IN
Temp Problems
ok, so i recently replaced the stock heads on my vehicle with a set of ported 853's. I also replaced all the gaskets, oil, and coolant. Car drove fine for a few days but recently it started jumping temp.
Upon starting the car there is usually white smoke until the vehicle is warm. On top of that the temp fluctuates. It used to read 195-200 but now it will read between 215-230. I checked the oil and nothing appears to be getting in it and i had to fill the coolant level once bc it was low.
Im not sure what the problem could be. Any suggestions? I have not yet inspected the radiator to see how clogged it is but the heat issue started right after the heads were installed.
Thanks for the help
Nick
Upon starting the car there is usually white smoke until the vehicle is warm. On top of that the temp fluctuates. It used to read 195-200 but now it will read between 215-230. I checked the oil and nothing appears to be getting in it and i had to fill the coolant level once bc it was low.
Im not sure what the problem could be. Any suggestions? I have not yet inspected the radiator to see how clogged it is but the heat issue started right after the heads were installed.
Thanks for the help
Nick
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,246
Likes: 1,092
From: Dyer, IN
ok, so i recently replaced the stock heads on my vehicle with a set of ported 853's. I also replaced all the gaskets, oil, and coolant. Car drove fine for a few days but recently it started jumping temp.
Upon starting the car there is usually white smoke until the vehicle is warm. On top of that the temp fluctuates. It used to read 195-200 but now it will read between 215-230. I checked the oil and nothing appears to be getting in it and i had to fill the coolant level once bc it was low.
Im not sure what the problem could be. Any suggestions? I have not yet inspected the radiator to see how clogged it is but the heat issue started right after the heads were installed.
Thanks for the help
Nick
Upon starting the car there is usually white smoke until the vehicle is warm. On top of that the temp fluctuates. It used to read 195-200 but now it will read between 215-230. I checked the oil and nothing appears to be getting in it and i had to fill the coolant level once bc it was low.
Im not sure what the problem could be. Any suggestions? I have not yet inspected the radiator to see how clogged it is but the heat issue started right after the heads were installed.
Thanks for the help
Nick
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 147
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From: Dyer IN
i honestly took it to a mechanic to do all the work who is experienced with this. I dont know if he followed the proper steps. I just noticed now that the car is eating coolant. It is currently about 1.5 inches below the full when cold line. The first time this happened (about 4 days after heads were installed) i topped it off with distilled water. Is it possible that the water evaporated and that i should just fill it off with dex cool? Like i said the smoke usually happens on a cold start. Could that be a head gasket leak?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,246
Likes: 1,092
From: Dyer, IN
Until you mentioned that coolant is being consumed, I was thinking an incorrect procedure....in getting the air out. I would check the oil immediately, and see if any coolant is present on the dipstick. Either way, if you are loosing coolant, and have no leaks......it needs to go back to the shop. Just curious, were new head bolts used?
Tech Contributor
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From: Dyer, IN
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Dyer IN
yea i just filled it off with distilled water again. Cold started it and white condensation(or what seems to be) is coming out. It def leaves a big wet spot on the ground so it makes me believe its condensation compared to smoke. If the problem persists im going to take it back to the shop. The oil seems fine. Its not milky at all, but normal in color.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,246
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From: Dyer, IN
yea i just filled it off with distilled water again. Cold started it and white condensation(or what seems to be) is coming out. It def leaves a big wet spot on the ground so it makes me believe its condensation compared to smoke. If the problem persists im going to take it back to the shop. The oil seems fine. Its not milky at all, but normal in color.
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Instructor
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From: Dyer IN
yea thats what i though too. from what other friends were telling me they said water would work but i questioned why not just use the coolent? idk im hoping its not a crack in the heads or something extreme. I did buy them used from a reputable cf member and everything appeared ok. Lucky do you have a link to a step by step on how to purge or burp the coolant system properly? Im going to try that first
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 12,413
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From: Rio Rancho NM
Sounds normal to me
I would get a air pressure gun and clean out th condesnor and radiator of the gunk and you should see some better temps.
"The low speed cooling fan is commanded on when the coolant temperature reaches 108°C (226°F). It is turned off if the coolant temperature lowers to 104°C (219°F). The high speed cooling fan is commanded on when the coolant temperature reaches 113°C (235°F). It is turned off if the coolant temperature lowers to 108°C (226°F). When the A/C is on and the coolant temperature reaches 85°C (185°F), the low speed cooling fan will be turned on at vehicle speeds less than 56 kPh (35 mph).
This is right from the tech manual.
I would get a air pressure gun and clean out th condesnor and radiator of the gunk and you should see some better temps.
"The low speed cooling fan is commanded on when the coolant temperature reaches 108°C (226°F). It is turned off if the coolant temperature lowers to 104°C (219°F). The high speed cooling fan is commanded on when the coolant temperature reaches 113°C (235°F). It is turned off if the coolant temperature lowers to 108°C (226°F). When the A/C is on and the coolant temperature reaches 85°C (185°F), the low speed cooling fan will be turned on at vehicle speeds less than 56 kPh (35 mph).
This is right from the tech manual.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,119
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From: Huntington tx
Bet it's a head gasket problem. The engine doesn't "use water" nor do you have to keep filling up. Burping is one thing....white smoke says it's burning water. NOT Normal! Is it burning water all the time even after it's warmed up?
Time to take it back if it's still white smoking....
Time to take it back if it's still white smoking....
Tech Contributor
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From: Dyer, IN
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 147
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From: Dyer IN
mechanic chose to use ls9 gaskets. He claims that since there are 7 layers they hold up better. I am not sure if this was the right choice instead of the ls1 covers. Anyone have any input on that?
