LoganKello

Hi everybody,

My car is a 91 TA 305 TPI.

I would say that for the last 2-3 years I have noticed that my antifreeze level is going down very slowly over the span of a couple of months. I noticed a coolant hose up by the intake that goes into the engine leaks a small amount onto the block which most likely burns off, however I don't think that small of leak could leave my radiator level low after 8,000 miles. This last year I only put 300 miles on the car, and I always wonder when I see condensation in the exhaust whether or not that is from sitting for months or if it is a head gasket issue. The condensation isn't visible in the summer, usually just after coming out of storage or in the fall when temps are around 50 degrees. Other than that the engine runs like a dream. It doesn't miss and still packs a punch being a 305.

I was once told by a trusted mechanic 2 years ago that if it was a head gasket issue, I would have known it by now.

What do you guys think?


Also, this summer I mistakingly forgot to replace the radiator cap when I was checking all under hood fluids. I got about 6 miles down the road on a full radiator and thought I smelled burning coolant. Lucky for me I looked over at the water temp gauge and she hadn't started climbing above mid range yet. I went about another 1/2 mile hoping to get closer to the gas station and ended up shutting the engine off and coasting right before it had the chance to touch the outside of the red. So my second question is could that have done any significant damage climbing up to (but not getting into the red before I turned it off)?

aliceempire

iTrader: (14)

Your small leak is plenty enough to significantly lower your coolant level. It is under pressure after all. All exhaust systems tend to have some condensation on them. Just a affect from chemistry. No you didn't hurt anything by getting the engine that warm for such a short period of time.