Magical disappearing coolant, etc.
#1
Magical disappearing coolant, etc.
Hey all! My '01 just hit 103k. I've had it since 50k, and have taken darn good care, thanks to the advice on this fourm. I did Disco Mike's 60k service, and another full engine flush with ATF at 90k.
Over the last year, I've had a SLOW coolant leak. I could see dry bloblets of coolant on the tranny pan, oil pan, and here and there between the two. Never seemed to be much of an issue, as I stayed on top of ensuring the expansion tank had plenty of juice. I did experience the passenger-side gurgle once or twice, but a quick bleed resolved the issue for months at a stretch.
Last week, however, things changed significantly. For the first time *ever*, my temp guage came up from being 100% level to nearing the red. I pulled over and let the truck run, and things cooled down right away. Phew!
I got it home, things seemed fine. In the morning, I bled the coolant again, adding about 1/2 gallon of coolant. That's a LOT more than normal.
Having scoured the forum, it seems this isn't all that uncommon. Since I'm at 100k, i'm prepared to do a head gasket job, but would like to eliminate other "low hanging fruit" options.
A few questions:
-Am I on the right track here? Likely head gasket?
-What else should I check/test before I pull the trigger on the parts order?
-If so, is AB the place for the HG kit, as well as the head bolts?
-Is there anything else that I'll need for this job, including special tools?
-What, if anything, else should I do as long as I have the damn thing apart for the HG job?
-Any pointers on the relevant sections of RAVE?
Thanks!!!
-Brad
Over the last year, I've had a SLOW coolant leak. I could see dry bloblets of coolant on the tranny pan, oil pan, and here and there between the two. Never seemed to be much of an issue, as I stayed on top of ensuring the expansion tank had plenty of juice. I did experience the passenger-side gurgle once or twice, but a quick bleed resolved the issue for months at a stretch.
Last week, however, things changed significantly. For the first time *ever*, my temp guage came up from being 100% level to nearing the red. I pulled over and let the truck run, and things cooled down right away. Phew!
I got it home, things seemed fine. In the morning, I bled the coolant again, adding about 1/2 gallon of coolant. That's a LOT more than normal.
Having scoured the forum, it seems this isn't all that uncommon. Since I'm at 100k, i'm prepared to do a head gasket job, but would like to eliminate other "low hanging fruit" options.
A few questions:
-Am I on the right track here? Likely head gasket?
-What else should I check/test before I pull the trigger on the parts order?
-If so, is AB the place for the HG kit, as well as the head bolts?
-Is there anything else that I'll need for this job, including special tools?
-What, if anything, else should I do as long as I have the damn thing apart for the HG job?
-Any pointers on the relevant sections of RAVE?
Thanks!!!
-Brad
Last edited by bradbenz; 09-12-2010 at 03:18 PM.
#3
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Denver, Colorado
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Before you go stimulating the economy, do a coolant pressure test and verify for sure what is leaking.
If it is the head gaskets, yes A.B. is a good place to go, I would also go for a t/stat, new hose, especially if you still have the old bleed screw in the hose and not in the black plastic tee.
I would also suggest you buy some 8 mm wires, either STI or Magnacor from British Parts of Utah.
Let us know what you find/do.
If it is the head gaskets, yes A.B. is a good place to go, I would also go for a t/stat, new hose, especially if you still have the old bleed screw in the hose and not in the black plastic tee.
I would also suggest you buy some 8 mm wires, either STI or Magnacor from British Parts of Utah.
Let us know what you find/do.
#4
#6
I'm just bracing for the worst regarding the HG swap. If I have to go there, I'm OK with that, as it seems to be a good idea to get the most life possible.
What's the best way to go about the coolant pressure test? Shop? Or can I buy/rent the requisite stuff to pull it off?
Thanks!
What's the best way to go about the coolant pressure test? Shop? Or can I buy/rent the requisite stuff to pull it off?
Thanks!
#7
#8
I agree, wash the engine, add the dye and drive it for a day or 2 and then look for the "stain" from the dye.