QuestionQUESTION: Hello,
I posted awhile ago regarding coolant problems and said I would follow up after tlking to the mechanic. Pretty much it started w/ a radiator issue. After replacing it, the temperaure gauge still kept climbing near the hot (red spot). I went back to the mechanic who changed the radiator and he said it didn't need to be bled and that due to his pressurized test, it could be the water pump. My check engine light was on reading for the catalyc converter to be changed but he said we should focus on checking the possibility it could be the water pump before changing the converter. I went to a diffrent mechanic, changed the converter and he said there was nothing wrong w/ the water pump. A week later, same problem. The temperature got hot and it was parked all day. Pulled over, added water once it cooled and drove home. Got back in 10 min later and started it, noticed the temperature had climbed again. I turned on the heater and it went down so I test drove it to see what would happen. Around the block I noticed that when I would break and then push on the accelerator it had a slight knocking sound and then would go away. The temp rose during this time and once I pulled up the house, it shut off automatically. Another mechanic came, changed the thermostat and again a week later my car stalled and again died exiting the freeway, temperature once again just shot to the "h". It cooled down, we added water and drove it home. I'm now told it could be a head gasket. What started as a radiator is now turning into the entire coolant system. I don't know what to look for, what mechnics should be looking for. I don't want to take it into the dealership so it can double my expenses but I don't want to repeat fixing these issues every week! Help!
ANSWER: Hi Sanne,
A head gasket leak can certainly cause an unexplained loss of coolant and consequent unexplained overheaing. You haven't described any boiling over as a cause for loss of coolant, nor have you mentioned any coolant leaks to the ground. So I would suggest that you look for two other symptoms of a head gasket leak: excessive white smoke coming out the tailpipe when you first start the engine from cold in the morning and/or engine oil as viewed on the dipstick that appears milky or cloudy. A third symptom would be a bubbling sound in the cooling system soon after starting up, too soon to be due to overheating. A compression test of each cylinder is another way to verify such a gasket leak. I see that it is an '06 Pacifica and that the original issue was a cracked radiator.
The failed pressure test by the first mechanic could have also been due to the head gasket leak as the cause rather than the water pump. And the catalytic converter code also could result from there being coolant in the exhaust gases from a head gasket leak.
So look for those symptoms I listed and let me know what you find.
Roland
PS Please click on the "thank/rate" tab below where you can rate my answer and also consider a nomination of me to be 'volunteer of the month'. Thursday is the close of the competition and I am in a tight race. Thank you
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QUESTION: Hello,
Its a 2006 chrysler pacifica. There's no smoke or anything coming from the back and there's no coolant leaking onto the ground. However, there is overflow that bubbles when the car hasn't even been running a long time. I do believe there is gunk or a thicker foamy bit of oil on the dip stick.
You mentioned that the radiator may have not been the initial issue. Trust me, I have pondered this after the fact which is why don't take it back to that mechanic. There is a one year warranty on the radiator but I'm unsure what recourse I have for that if I don't want him to touch anything and just want my money back. I had the feeling when all these other issues came up that he was quick to replace the radiator knowing it wasn't it or not thoroughly looking, causing me to return time and time again. Notice how he was adamant about checking and replacing the water pump first before taking care of the converter and insisting my car didn't have to be bled after the replacing the radiator.
Anyways, so now a head gasket? Any other possibilities? What else should I change with it if it is? What other components?
ANSWER: Hi Saane,
If the oil is foamy and the system bubbles and/or overflows from the coolant bottle early-on after starting the engine (and before the gauge reads H), then those are clearly signs of the compressed charge of air/gas in the combustion chamber leaking over into the cooling system. An exhaust gas detector placed at the bottle would also verify such a leak.
The typical cause is a torn headgasket which is an expensive repair unfortunately. About the only less expensive explanation would be if a head bolt were too loose which causes the gasket to leak, so you might have the bolts loosened slightly and then retightened to the proper torque setting before taking off the head entirely to change the gasket. The effectiveness of that 'trick' would be shown by a return to normal of the compression in all the cylinders.
So the first thing to do would be to have an exhaust gas test and a compression test of all cylinders to localize which bank of cylinders the leak is located. That would also corroborate a leak if any are low. Then discuss with the mechanic the approach of loosening slightly and then retorquing all the head bolts on that bank. If it works, great. If not then remove the head and replace the gasket. Let me know which size engine you have and I can tell you the torque specification if the mechanic doesn't know it.
It is unfortunate that you spent so much if this was the problem all along. You could seek restitution in small claims court. Try to find a competent engine mechanic to begin the process of checking out the gasket leak.
Roland
PS Thanks for the nomination. With each question you are entitled to rate and nominate me again, for which I would be most appreciative. Thank you
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QUESTION: My engine size is 3.5. Yes it is quite unfortunate that I have spent so much if this was the problem all alone :( . Now I'm wondering if the radiator was even changed or if I just gave them 300 to look in my engine! I guess there's no way of really finding that out. I will definitly look for a competent mechanic to do as you have stated. I pray this resolve my issues as these have been the only reoccurring issues with my car.again, thank you a million!
AnswerHi Sanne,
I have copied three pages about the cylinder head removal/install that includes the torque spec. The only thing I forgot to ask you was for an email address so I can send these as an attachment to an email. Use the 'private' option follow-up question to tell me the address.
One other possible remediation, which would be very low cost, would be to use a cooling system stop leak, specifically Bar's Leak brand, which may seal the leak if it is small. You can get that at a parts store and follow the directions. If that doesn't work then getting into the shop would be the next step.
Roland
PS Thanks for the rating and nomination.
