Started overheating this weekend after snowstorm after 1 mile. Plenty of green coolant. I pulled over immediately and waited until cool. New grey thermostat, radiator, hoses replaced in Nov 2016.




I thought I didn't mix 50/50 coolant correctly and water may have froze in the engine, but checked the coolant overflow and liquid was sloshing around in it.


Drove 200 miles yesterday with no problems. No dash lights. I checked codes last week and none were stored. Used an Autel AL619


This morning my wife drives 3 miles and engine over heats. She pulls over right away and sees coolant over flowing from over flow tube. She waits until cool then drives another 2-3 miles. Then car stops and won't start. Starter turns but engine does not turn over.


I believe this car is death VIN, replaced engine by previous owner back in 2008.


Am I looking at a blown head gasket? What caused this?

 

Was there coolant left after she drove that extra 2-3miles?

 

Yes. there was some at the bottom of the overflow tank.

 

Also, checked oil and not mixed with coolant although the oil was 2 qts low.

 

I thought coolant was totally gone and fried engine. So youre ok. Check battery contacts and grounding. How cold in your area.

 

Battery contacts and ground should be ok. The engine was cranking. All dash diagnostic lights came on, seat belt beeps, etc.








It got pretty cold past few days; in the teens.








Do you think the head gasket is good?

 

Could be electrical. It steamed probably a half gallon of coolant towards the fusebox. I'm guessing coz after the coolant episode, you got this problem.
In my experience, coolant leakage can cause a bit of problems with electrical system. Mine steamed just right towards the alternator and completely damaged it. Wont charge anymore and battery died. 2nd it could run plenty trouble codes when leak towards the right side upper hose. That could wet the entire MAF contacts and throw you a bunch of codes. Will you be able to check which codes are pending?

Make it start up again and then head gasket can be checked. If your engine is not running and replace head gasket, it will be more difficult to identify your problem if it occurs.

 

If it is overheating after such a short drive, especially, if it is as cold as mentioned...I'd look at the thermostat or W/P belt. Having a blown head gasket will cause leakage of anti-freeze around the base of the heads...not make the engine overheat quickly. Especially, if the coolant tank is full when you start out. About the only thing that can make an engine overheat that fast, again, is the thermostat or a broken belt (which would mean the water pump isn't turning).

Yes, as mentioned, maybe you got something wet...and this is why it won't start now. Spray the ignition wires down with some WD40 and see if that helps.

Brian.

 

Age and mileage usually seem to be the common factor in head gasket failure on these things, usually around 100K or after about ten years...give or take.

Brian.

 

The rapid overheating likely comes from air in the system. especially if you lost coolant, obviously it was replaced by air.

Some people find it tricky to completely bleed these systems.