Head Gasket diagnosis - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

Bungle · 06-22-2009, 12:56 AM

Hi All,

I've been reading on here about cooling issues and I have one! Despite current ambient temperatures of 120F, I still believe that my car should be able to run at around 200F whether crusing or in stop go stuff.

I have replaced the thermostat, water pump, coolant temp sensor, radiator and fans. The fans both come on, the air dam is in place etc.

the problem is that the temp guage is all over the place. sometimes around 180 then jumps to 220 (sometimes higher). i never let it get to the red before shutting it off. Usually when cruising it is much better.

All i have read on here now suggests that I may have a head gasket problem. My question is -

How do I confirm this?

What do I look for?

What can I test?

Thanks

Bungle

gregsz-28 · 06-23-2009, 04:25 PM

What makes you think it is a head gasket problem?
White smoke in the exhaust?
Does it lose coolant?
You can pressure test your cooling system, and if it doesn't hold pressure, it is possible that you have a blown head gasket.

I wouldn't even worry about it getting above 220* in that much heat, unless it's getting into the red on the gauge or you have aluminum heads.

l_dis_travlr · 06-23-2009, 04:46 PM

With a blown head gasket, temp rise will be consistent & repeatable
whenever engine is running.
Diagnosis:

, but I would be surprised.

What kind of radiator is the replacement, stock fitting,
or aftermarket upgrade that has been shoe-horned
into the core-support?

(And what is the nature of your presence in UAE? Probably not
many other third-gen's around, I'm guessing. What's it like
getting parts?)

kk

Reid Fleming · 06-23-2009, 06:05 PM

Does the temp gauge stay normal on the highway and then as soon as you slow down and pull of an exit, it skyrockets?

Try squeezing the upper radiator hose and see if you can hear it gurgling in the cylinder heads.

8t2 z-chev · 06-26-2009, 01:22 AM

All the times i have had or witnessed a blown head
gaskets(several imports and a fiero),there was white
exhaust and intermittant missing from the affected
plugs shorting out. in my cases at least,they did not
overheat.

BASSETT IROC 85 · 06-27-2009, 01:43 AM

I would pull the thermostat. You dont need one over there.

gregsz-28 · 06-27-2009, 01:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BASSETT IROC 85

I would pull the thermostat. You dont need one over there.

I disagree. Even with the temperatures there, it would probably take twice as long to heat up.
Maybe a high flow thermostat without a bypass would be a good idea.

FireChicken2.8 · 06-27-2009, 02:36 PM

Take a look at your oil...if it looks like chocolate milk that is a good indication of a head gasket problem.

Camaroguy6984 · 06-28-2009, 02:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FireChicken2.8

Take a look at your oil...if it looks like chocolate milk that is a good indication of a head gasket problem.

just like firechicken said and everybody else said about white smoke in exhaust, thoes are to 2 main things to look for with a blown gasket.