Chrysler Repair: 87 chrysler lebaron 2.2L turbo overheats and burns antifreeze, head gasket leak, chrysler lebaron

Question
Ok so driving around my car was overheating, checked the antifreeze and it was low so I added plenty. Drove ok for a day or so, and it overheated again. Replaced the thermostat and checked the anti freeze, it was ok so I drove. It overheated again so I again checked the antifreeze and it was low, added more and then when I shut it off and started it up a big cloud of smoke came out that smelled like burnt antifreeze.

Now that you know what is happening, my question is, would it be the headgasket or the turbo seals. If I leave the heat cranked it runs ok, the heat fluctuates a little bit but doesn't overheat. I started it up to let it warm up and the smoke coming out of the exhaust smelled normal (as in smells like gas.) And I checked the sparkplugs and they are not wet. Help please?

Answer
Hi Jerry,
I was wondering how things worked out with the engine overheating? Please let me know by using the 'thank/rate' tab below. While you are there if I might ask a favor: where it asks about a 'nomination for expert of the month' I would appreciate your entering a 'yes'. I am in a close race for that honor so every vote counts!
Thanks,
Roland



Hi Jerry,
I would believe that there is a head gasket leak based upon the smell of antifreeze in the exhaust smoke and the large amounts of smoke, and the rapid loss of antifreeze. It all adds up. I don't see the turbo having any relationship to the cooling system (directly) so that is why I believe it is a head gasket. The use of the heater is probably just giving you the additional cooling and volume of coolant to delay the onset of engine overheating a bit longer. You can have a shop check for exhaust fumes in the coolant, or note whether the coolant system pressurizes and/or bubbles shortly after starting (before the engine gets to operating temp) which would corroborate the head gasket diagnosis.
Please let me know if you find an alternative explanation, and good luck on this. It is not as bas as some other engines to do the headgasket. Be sure to get a new one from a dealer parts counter rather than an aftermarket brand.
Roland
PS Use the 'thank/rate' tab below to get back to me with further question, without having to wait for me to be available to take a question.