I recently brought a 1999 plymouth voyager 2.4L with 98000 miles. And I discovered to late that the radiator had been drained, and filling th coolant bottle is not enough to fill the water jacket. The results, I'm sure is overheating, and overheating=blown head gasket in short order. Now, that I have gone and done it...how can I fix it.
2006-08-05 18:32:36 · 14 answers · asked by bradbrowne 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I forgot to add that when I lost power on the expressway, I was'nt able to restart and it still will not start. Also, did I mention that it was an oil spray on my rear windows.
2006-08-05 23:33:13 · update #1
You probably have more than a head gasket to worry about. The engine is probably ruined. You should take this car into a mechanic to get this fixed right. You might even want to see how much a used engine is installed. This is because when a head gasket blows, it's seldom just the head gasket. The cylinder head or block could be warped or cracked as well and if it's cracked or warped too bad, replacement is the only cure. The oil situation makes this more likely that the engine is history.
2006-08-12 02:45:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The 99 van has a 2.4 not the 2.5 that was on the older vans!iowayoungman is mistaken!
First things first. Before you start tearing the engine apart, fill it with coolant and let it run. Look for signs of white smoke or the odor of coolant at the tailpipe. If there is no sign at the tailpipe, shut the vehicle down and allow it to cool. Check the oil, after cooling, for a milky looking substance. If there is no milk in the oil, then it is time for the final two tests.
Do a compression check on the engine. If that checks ok, it is doubtful that the head gasket needs replacement. Seeing as you have most likely stressed the gasket, If may be a good idea to re-torque the head bolts.
One trick to see if there is a head gasket problem is to take an exhaust gas analyzer and test for hydrocarbons at the radiator (remove the radiator cap and do not allow coolant to touch the probe) Hydrocarbons mean that you have a bad head gasket, the lack of them is a good sign!
With the additional information, it seems like it may be a head gasket. As bostonianinmo said, the best thing is to get a shop manual. Be very careful when you reinstall the head and timing belt, that motor will bend valves very easily.
2006-08-05 20:27:09 · answer #2 · answered by fire4511 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you could go to the mechanics, you may as well just buy a new car. Option 2 would be to become mechanically skilled. I am currently working on this. Maybe it's a form of zen🦄...that's just me. To me, it's a mission that I am taking on. I am going to rebuild my entire engine. I went and got the oem manuals for it but that isn't COMPLETELY understandable information. The real problem I am having is getting the knowledge. Everyone in mechanics are very secretive about it. So, in contrast...do a lot of researching. I have and I haven't found much success. I did learn how to change my valve cover gaskets by using the weekend mechanic guide. However, If you have oil leaking it could be done for Or it could just mean your valve cover gaskets are badly damaged. Valve adjustments are crucial. Also the seals on your valves could use a replacement. I am wanting to create a guide for the average idiot. These cars are for the poor, honestly.
2016-04-07 13:34:26 · answer #3 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Overheating does not automatically mean a blown head gasket. Do a cylinder leakdown check to see if it's actually blown first.
If it is blown, you're really going to need a service manual to do the job correctly. It's not a difficult job but there are many places where you can screw up and do more damage to the engine. At the very least, you need to be absolutely sure that you get the cam timing right. (And since you're going to be pulling the timing belt to do the job, replace it with a new one. It's cheap insurance!)
Even an experienced mechanic will do a "sanity check" in the service manual before proceeding.
2006-08-05 18:45:04 · answer #4 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So you drained the radiator and you tried to fill it up by topping off the overflow? If I read that right... a head gasket will probably not be the only thing wrong with it. The head will probably be cracked or warped also. If you noticed it and shut it down before it done any major damage.... Then yes, changing a head gasket is a big job. You have to pull the cylinder heads to swap it out. Take the heads to a machine shop and have em checked if you do it yourself.
2006-08-05 18:41:54 · answer #5 · answered by crazytrain_23_78 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless you really have a thing for pain and frustration I would take it somewhere to have it done. Changing head gaskets is a difficult and tiresome job. You'll take off almost everything that is bolted onto the engine for one thing and that really sucks. If you aren't certain that is the problem I wouldn't even think of it. Some things (like a head gasket) are best taken to a professional. To me it's worth the money not to have the hassle and to know that the right repair is THEIR responsibility.
2006-08-11 05:55:56 · answer #6 · answered by DB Cash 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need to pull the entire top half of the engine off that means unhooking and unbolting every thing that is on your head your intake maifold can stay on and your exhaust manifold can stay on but you will need to crawl under your van and un bolt the exhaust from the exhaust manifold once every thing is done and your head is ready to come off with a braker bar break every head loose and un screw them once done you can remove your head now you need to remove your intakemanifold and your exhaust manifold then you need to send your head to a machine shop to check for cracks and warpage once the head is repaired then your ready to put it all back together you are going to need all new gaskets for the upper half of your engine witch they sell as a kit bacause those engines wre noted for this problem and your going to need all new head bolts do not use your old head bolts or any gaskets then you need a tork wrench to torke your head bolts down and your intake bolts and your exhaust bolts now your head bolts are tighted in a patteran witch you can find the patteran on the net or call the dealer or buy the book on the van and by the way its not a 2.4 its a 2.5
2006-08-05 18:55:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is completely dependant on your skills / time / and ability to NOT throw heavy things when frustrated.
Because it is a van it is certainly a bit tougher than the average car - but it is not terrible (like the ford FI V8's); but if you have a chore changing an ALT or Waterpump - then it is better to pay a shop.
Because that is a VERY long and big job, hit up your local auto parts store for a manual on that one - it is WORTH the money.
2006-08-05 18:50:10 · answer #8 · answered by theleb63 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If not mechanically inclined then you should not attempt a head gasket on your own. I have seen people start head jobs and never finish them because they do not have the mechanical know how. I have done many head gasket/head replacements and they are very labor intensive. Good luck !
2006-08-06 04:13:52 · answer #9 · answered by turbietech 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you see milky color in oil and a lot of steam out exhaust pipe will need head job.
It involves tearing the top of the motor apart.
and people are right saying machine head.
Also have to tourque bolts on head and if you mess that up will still leak water.
Sorry of luck man that is going to cost at least 500-1000 dollars at a good shop. depend on how bad it leak can try stuff like Bars leak.
I would only try one time though that stuff if used too much can build up on heads and make mess.
2006-08-05 18:48:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋