i have a general engine question (Girlfriends car).

I put in a new thermostat for her cuz her heater wasnt working, blowin cold air. And i also filled up her coolant system to the correct level (in between 'full hot' and 'full cold'). A week later i went to check her coolant system level, and the reservoir was empty. So i filled it again thinking that i didnt fill it full the first time, and again, i checked the system a week later, and it was empty.

Would you say that its a blown head gasket?

Also, her heater worked for a while, and now its back to blowing cold air. Would you say that the blown head gasket is associated with the heater not working?

 

Probably not a blown head gasket. More likely a water leak somewhere, I'd suspect a water pump seal or loose hose fitting.

The no-heat is probably associated with the lack of coolant. I wouldn't jump to the head gasket conclusion just yet.

 

I dont think that its leaking water anywhere, i havent seen any wet spots under the hood, or on the ground, thats why i assume a blown head gasket. But could a leak drain the reservoir in a week?

I suppose i could do a compression test and see how that comes out.

do u have any ideas as to what to check for any possible causes?

EDIT--> This is a 1993 Plymouth acclaim with 4 banger with 150K.

 

Water pump almost for sure. Especially if there's any noticeable noise coming from that end of the engine.

Yes, a leak can do that.

 

what about the radiator cap? maybe it isnt pressurizing the coolant system, and is letting the water boil and steam is leaking out somewhere?

 

I'll bet its probably a leak in the water pump or a hose. my pump to plate gasket started leaking so i replaced that . then the pump weep hole started leaking. had the sucker off twice in as many days. just replaced it then found that the lower hose needed to be replaced. if your losing all your coolant it is got to be going somewhere. id let it run for a while to heat up and then check all around the car for leaks. if you think its going into the engine check the oil. if the head gasket is leaking cooland into the oil the oil will look creamy brown like caramel. good luck.