Big Issues!!!
slow down...
Long lost update but I guess better late than never. replaced the rad but I didn't replace the hoses with aftermarket looked them over and they are good. Car has been running good but except for thermostat crapped out next..also the bolt was bolt was broken on it which revealed a huge leak. unfortunately now a blown headgastek is looking like it was the culprit all along. I replaced thermostat and went for the rebleed and it's just rising to the top and bubbling then dropping down and repeating after the cooling fan cuts off. It only spills over for a second then continues to rise and bubble. This sounds like it's going to be expensive as I don't have the time to take it all apart by myself right now. Might have to take it to the dealership.
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,902
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From: Grand Island, NE
The end tanks on the OEM radiator are plastic. Between the tank and the core is a gasket. The tank, gasket and core are crimped together with the metal band you see around the edge to the tank. Over time these crimps relax and the gasket leaks. If you have the special tool you can try re-crimping but usually this is a waste of time. This failure is a normal event and will eventually happen to all radiators constructed in this fashion.
A blown head gasket will evidence itself by oil in coolant, coolant in oil, overheating or coolant being blown out of the radiator and into the overflow bottle. Often, I read of people posting that the coolant in the bottle is boiling. These signs may sometimes only be evident at full boost. None of this should damage a good radiator with a working pressure cap. On the other hand, it might make a leaking radiator leak more.
A blown head gasket could be caused by a leaking radiator if the coolant was allowed to get low allowing the engine to overheat.
BTW, don't put plain water in a radiator, especially if temperatures are expected to fall below freezing.
A blown head gasket will evidence itself by oil in coolant, coolant in oil, overheating or coolant being blown out of the radiator and into the overflow bottle. Often, I read of people posting that the coolant in the bottle is boiling. These signs may sometimes only be evident at full boost. None of this should damage a good radiator with a working pressure cap. On the other hand, it might make a leaking radiator leak more.
A blown head gasket could be caused by a leaking radiator if the coolant was allowed to get low allowing the engine to overheat.
BTW, don't put plain water in a radiator, especially if temperatures are expected to fall below freezing.
Last edited by barneyb; Jan 12, 2011 at 11:06 AM.
do this first. and check for oil contamination on both your coolant and oil.
Did the pressure test and had a leak on the thermostat. Basically it was a bolt crappy thermostat combo. Got a new thermostat and replaced the bolt. That when I did the rebleed. I took it to the shop and he did a compression test 155-160 on all 4. Check the oil and no water or coolant in there. He said the reason it was a constant flow was probably due to a bubble in the system. Idk what it is..this is wierd. I think I'm going to put it in the shop and have them do a full diagnostic and 60k service. But the headgasket is good so thats definetely good news
good news
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