When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Replaced:
Water Pump
Thermostat
Coolant Temperature Sensor
Heater Control Valve
Radiator Cap
It will run a little warm and then get off the highway and bam! Shoots straight up. I've pressure tested the system to 17 lbs. The tube on the top of the water pump started leaking at 18 and I resealed that up with some metric O-rings.
I know it could be the dreaded Head Gasket but there has never been any oil on the dipstick or under the fill cap.
Today I'm going to check if my new thermostat is stuck open, reseal that inlet tube and see what happens.
If it turns out to be the head gasket I need some help on how to make it happen with a daily driver. I figured I would buy an old head off someone and have the machine shop here in town work it over. Then I could just take a few days off and stick a new head on it.
Is it pushing water out of your overflow? Do you see bubbling in your radiator..?
A head gasket can fail and still not allow oil into the coolant system but also not be able to hold pressure because of **** being forced through on a cylinder. You can get this tested by going to an automotive store and having them test your coolant.
Did your replace the coolant temp sensor on the front, underside of the intake manifold?
Is it pushing water out of your overflow? Do you see bubbling in your radiator..?
Yeah it pushes water into the reservoir with some high pressure. Through all of this I haven't had the car completely cold to check see if the bubbling is happening at idle. (Head Gasket Check) I'll do that next also.
Originally Posted by joewitafro
Did your replace the coolant temp sensor on the front, underside of the intake manifold?
I did replace the coolant temp sensor under the intake manifold.
call around and see if you can have a block check done. this is testing the coolant to see how much air is in it. it sounds to me like your head gasket is shot though, and any overheating can potentially warp your head.
Running pretty good. It goes through a 'spell' every now and then. It will just start bucking and sputtering.
What torque specs did u use on the e head bolts?
I torqued the head bolts per spec. 26 lbf and then painted the heads. 90 turn -> 90 turn.
What head gasket did u use?
FelPro Gasket Set and New FelPro Head Bolts
How is she idling?
Idles fine except for the unexpected 'spells'. It seemed to be hesitating so I advanced the timing a degree or two and that seemed to stop the hesitation.
How much vaccum she running warm?
What is the best way to check the vacuum? I can get a vacuum test kit if needed.
Thanks for the reply!
Last edited by ClarkKent; Dec 4, 2013 at 06:10 AM.
Reason: spelling
1. Exhaust leak. I needed 2 1/2 more turns on the rear manifold to get it tight.
2. Idle Air Control Valve Connector was loose. Pushed it back in and she is now purring...=]
Special thanks to Joe who helped me through the head gasket change.
I now have to continue to make up for lost time with her...
I have the upper ball joints ready to install. Not many write-ups on that. I'll just go by the manual.