the quick fix

[catdaddy]

cars running hot, got bubbles in the reservoir, is this a gasket leak or cracked head...and what is the best sealer to use until i change the motor?

 

[FIND]

Several things could be causing your problem. I find the easiest method for checking for cracked heads or blown head gaskets is to remove spark plugs individually and blow compressed air into the cylinder with the radiator cap off. Rotate the engine to be sure the valves are closed, and if bubbles come out of the radiator, then you have a cracked head or bad head gasket.

Your problem may be as simple as replacing a bad thermostat or flushing your coolant.

I cannot recommend anything that can reliably stop a coolant leak anywhere but the radiator.

 

[catdaddy]

gotta find some time to do this, and where can i find detailed instructions on the procedure...

 

[safn1949]

Also if you have a shop you trust there is a fast (10 min) test they can do to see if there is exhaust gasses in the coolant,simple and not expensive.

 

[MrWizard]

And oft times there is sweet-smelling white smoke (antifreeze) coming out the exhaust
even after the engine is warmed up, with a head gasket leak.

 

[mr cribb]

The last vehicle I had that had a busted head gasket bubbled back in the radiator with the cap off.... I never did fix it and it left me stranded weeks later.

It would've been an easy fix.... but I slacked off and let the engine sit and it corroded the cylinder walls because I failed to clean out the pooled up anti freeze. I junked the vehicle a year or so later after I ran out of funds.

 

[catdaddy]

The last vehicle I had that had a busted head gasket bubbled back in the radiator with the cap off.... I never did fix it and it left me stranded weeks later.

It would've been an easy fix.... but I slacked off and let the engine sit and it corroded the cylinder walls because I failed to clean out the pooled up anti freeze. I junked the vehicle a year or so later after I ran out of funds.

yea, opened 1 up once w/ the rust and antifreeze...prolly like this rite now......just not trying to sink a bunch of dough into it till change the motor...

 

[Kamel]

my x sometimes has somewhat sweet smelling exhaust, but i've always thought it was related to the vacuum modulator that i gotta change out. think this is a sure-fire sign of a head gasket issue or might it be other things as well? Any other signs i should look out for?

I do taste any water from the tailpipe (weird, i know lol) -- it's always been just condensation. maybe it's getting stopped at the cat though

 

[Roadrunner777]

Wow.

 

[yavapaires]

cars running hot, got bubbles in the reservoir, is this a gasket leak or cracked head...and what is the best sealer to use until i change the motor?

At your local parts house, look for K&W block sealer, if you can find it. If not, then get a good stop leak. This is only a temporary band aid though. Sounds like you are looking ay a complete rebuild.

 

[syn-]

Had this same problem before, the following parts are failing.

- Waterpump
- Head Gaskets
- Heads themselves
- Upper & Lower Intake Gaskets
- Lower intake Manifold Gasket
- Fuel Rail Gasket

If you have overheated the truck more than twice your heads are more than likely cracked. From what I remember, if you have a disappearing coolant issue and bubbles, the back 2 cylinders are usually where the water will pool. You'll know this is the case if on cold mornings or in general early morning starts are little rough and you have to give it some gas at first to help burn off the coolant that sits on top of the piston. When you pull the heads you can confirm this by looking at the back 2 cylinders, they will be washed clean compared to the other 4. Stop leak will not really help at this point if the heads are indeed cracked as stop leak is a radiator product. K&W Block sealer is a band-aid as mentioned, that could very well leave you stranded somewhere the more the truck is allowed to past the heat range of 200 degrees. Good luck, as even putting in a junkyard motor can run you 2k in repair unless you do it yourself.

 

[catdaddy]

just added a air compresser to the tool kit (8 gal, 125 psi)...tips and procedure for that test pls...also would hate to think that it's just a bad sensor...