As of now i'm not sure, but I think I have a BHG. The engine has 224,088 miles and has now I think cracked it's second radiator. I first started having problems when I got the origonal radiator replaced in April this year. After having the new one for about a month and a half I started noticing the temp guage going up and down. One week ago that radiator popped open (I heard a muffled pop) and took it to the shop on monday (for those in the PDX area it was AR automotive). Both the mechanic and I could stick our fingers into the radiator itself. Anyway, they repaired it and it has been fine untill tonight. These past 5 days I have been extra dillagent in watching the temp guage, looking for temp fluxuations. So, tonight after some hard driving I noticed that I had steam coming from under the hood and could occasionally smell coolant. I opened the hood up and saw some coolant on the tray, and the felt some liquid on the fuse box cover. I also noticed from time to time that my drive belt would squeak (which happened when the radiator burst and coolant sprayed on the drive belt). while this was happening the temp guage barely moved above the middle mark. Keep in mind that this radiator is only 5 DAYS OLD!

I recently changed the spark plugs and plug wires and got a little coolant in the spark plug valley near cylinder 6, but I vaccumed it out and it ran fine. I also have a gash in the inlet tube where it meets the throttle body, so it should be running a little lean and hot, but BHG? I also noticed when I was changing the spark plugs got a little oily so the valve cover gasket needs to be replaced as well.

I have searched and from what I see, this does not look promising, but did I get 2 super ****ty radiators or am I going to need a new headgasket/engine? Other than getting a compression and leak down test is there anything I can do get a positive answer?

I can take pictures in the morning/afternoon, and of course any help will be appreciated.

 

How old is your water pump?

Overheating problems:

Check Your:

Radiator
Thermostat
Water pump
Fan
Head Gasket (Look for white smoke from the exhaust, Milky substance in your oil, or oil in your coolant)

 

there is also a test most shops can do - we just call it a block test - it is a chemical that reacts with hydrocarbons, so it's able to tell if there is hydrocarbons coming out of the radiator cap... we only charge $20 for the test - would be an easy tell...

 

check the radiator hose going into the TB. Could be cause of coolant in cylinder 6

 

Heard back today. Leak down confirms BHG...