Does this sound like Head Gasket Failure?
02-20-08, 12:21 AM
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Does this sound like Head Gasket Failure?
Hello -
Did searches, read many related/similar problems, still would like your input + advice before spending $$$$$ for head gasket inspection.
2000 SC300 w/ 100k
Timing belt + water pump done 11/07 at 97k
90k service done 09/07
Then last month, as noted by mechanic: "Driving car in traffic; heater stopped working then car temp started to get hot. Tech found 2400 PPM?HC in cooling sys. Will need to remove cylinder head and inspect. Suspect head gasket failure."
There's no leaking. Compression test was OK. Did not see white film and have not had a chance to test out the "bubbling" cap scenario.
Does this sound familiar to anyone? Thanks.
Did searches, read many related/similar problems, still would like your input + advice before spending $$$$$ for head gasket inspection.
2000 SC300 w/ 100k
Timing belt + water pump done 11/07 at 97k
90k service done 09/07
Then last month, as noted by mechanic: "Driving car in traffic; heater stopped working then car temp started to get hot. Tech found 2400 PPM?HC in cooling sys. Will need to remove cylinder head and inspect. Suspect head gasket failure."
There's no leaking. Compression test was OK. Did not see white film and have not had a chance to test out the "bubbling" cap scenario.
Does this sound familiar to anyone? Thanks.
02-20-08, 09:23 AM
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Go to NAPA and get a "block tester kit" it costs maybe $30, pull the radiator cap off, and sick the tust-tube like thing in the radiator, pump the bulb a few times, and if the fluid turns highliter green (from blue) there is exhaust gas in the cooling system. If it doesn't change, that doesn't mean there isn't a problem, but if it does change, either somthing is craked (head) or the HG is blown.
Also sounds like the thermostat could be stuck....just guesses though, and I don't know what the ppm means in relation to anything else, so I could be wayyyyyyyy off.
Good luck
Dan
Also sounds like the thermostat could be stuck....just guesses though, and I don't know what the ppm means in relation to anything else, so I could be wayyyyyyyy off.
Good luck
Dan
02-20-08, 09:32 AM
#3
by ppm they mean parts per million of hyrdocarbons in the coolant. there shouldnt be hyrdocarbons(one of the ex gas byproducts) in the coolant. if there is it may be a sign of blown head gasket.
i would ckeck the thermostat first. and get the tool to pressurize the coolant system and see if the pressure slowly drops off and try to see where it goes.
good luck
i would ckeck the thermostat first. and get the tool to pressurize the coolant system and see if the pressure slowly drops off and try to see where it goes.
good luck
02-20-08, 10:28 AM
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I know PPM si parts per, I just didn't know if 2400 was alot......
.0024 doesn't sound like a lot to me, but I don't what a lot is when dealing with exhaust gas.
(Poster above is not responsable for incorrect math/decimal moving)
.0024 doesn't sound like a lot to me, but I don't what a lot is when dealing with exhaust gas.
(Poster above is not responsable for incorrect math/decimal moving)
02-20-08, 01:01 PM
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by ppm they mean parts per million of hyrdocarbons in the coolant. there shouldnt be hyrdocarbons(one of the ex gas byproducts) in the coolant. if there is it may be a sign of blown head gasket.
i would ckeck the thermostat first. and get the tool to pressurize the coolant system and see if the pressure slowly drops off and try to see where it goes.
good luck
i would ckeck the thermostat first. and get the tool to pressurize the coolant system and see if the pressure slowly drops off and try to see where it goes.
good luck
Just learned that a line/hose was badly connected during the timing belt/water pump job and that lead to leaking into head gasket.
At least shop is standing behind work and repairing HG for free.
Next question: is my car/engine now damaged goods?
How much more fallible is a resurfaced HG?
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