Theres a "crack in the cylinder head". i didn't even know anything was wrong until i got my Ford explorer checked for it's 135k maintenance. They want $3000 for it - screw that, the car's 12 years old and I'm just gonna get a new one in a few months. Anyways, I want to know if it's safe to drive it from Seattle to Phoenix and back. if i check (and add if necessary) the coolant every time I get gas will i be fine?
2007-08-09 14:37:33 · 19 answers · asked by David 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
that would be taking a big chance with it,i know i wouldn't try it ,knowing my luck it would go out,but if you check it really often you might make it,i just wouldn't try it if it were mine,good luck on it.
2007-08-09 14:49:04 · answer #1 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well if your dead set on leaving town with this leakier you have several things you can do.
1. Go down buy some Silver Seal for the radiator or Bars Leak, Make sure to read directions on back and pick up extra for safe measures. There ar some good block sealants out there.
2. Make sure you have extra coolant and or water or as far as it goes both.
3. Bring a cell phone, YEP
4. Make sure you keep an eye on temp gage and check coolant level each and every fuel fill, make sure when checking that you do not burn yourself, that smarts alot.
5. Rent a car to drive, check for deals and for their weekly rental for deals.
6. Take a train, bus and or fly if possible.
7. Scrap the trip.
8. Last but not least, since your looking at new vehicles any way, step up and buy...
Have a safe trip.
2007-08-10 00:10:28 · answer #2 · answered by guitarman051 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I wouldn't try it. First, the coolant leak is serious enough that you should keep an eye on it far more frequently than at "every gas stop".
Secondly, as you know, it is hot in Phoenix and even a slight coolant leak can spell disaster (you wouldn't want to have a melt-down in the desert, right?).
I'd either spring for the repair, or search for another vehicle. Good luck!
2007-08-09 21:42:53 · answer #3 · answered by Kiffin # 1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
$3,000 would be the cost of a brand new V-6 and labor in that model Ford.
Here's a little tune that might help you decide:
On a dark desert highway...boiling coolant in my hair...the smell of an engine fire...rising up through the air. And still those voices are calling from Yahoo answers, wake me up in the middle of the night just to hear them say....Not just no, but Hell NO!
Just stop in the nearest Interstate rest area and you'll see FBI posters on missing people who were last seen broken down on the side of the road headed for Phoenix.
Rent a decent car to make the drive. It's not worth your life.
Good Luck!
2007-08-09 22:03:12 · answer #4 · answered by CactiJoe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Cracks like this almost always get worse. A lot worse. And usually fast. If you let it run out of coolant and overheat, you could ruin the entire engine. If you are looking for someone to say, "it will be fine, just do it". That person would NOT be me.
If it were me, and I absolutely HAD to drive, take a reliable cellphone, several gallons of water and that includes at least one that you can drink if the engine blows in Arizona.
2007-08-09 21:50:52 · answer #5 · answered by tugar357 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't recommend driving with a coolant leak because you'd have to fill your radiator every few miles or so... and there is always a chance you might miss filling it and cause the car to overheat. It should cost 3K for a coolant leak, since it probably the radiator or a hole in the pipe which should only cost like 200 most to fix. Maybe 300.
2007-08-09 21:41:36 · answer #6 · answered by kydseoul26 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well, maybe.
your car is pretty old
more damage may be done, and filling the coolant might not be enough anymore.
you better hope the situation doesnt get worse.
but, if you dont care, then just do it.
HOLD ON.
if you are going to trade in the car, try not to make the problem worse. take a different car if you can. try to preserve the car. you will get more trade in value for it. a small leak is better than a complete crack.
remeber that when you make your decision.
2007-08-09 21:44:13 · answer #7 · answered by the questioner 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ive ruined two engines by driving them with leaks and in hind sight its not worth it.I do remember my dad having a cracked block on his wrecker and he used bar's block sealer,it had some brown looking pellets in the jar and it lasted for a long time.I don't know if they still make the stuff as it was a long time ago.Good luck to you I hope it works out for you.
2007-08-09 21:50:15 · answer #8 · answered by sasyone 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
some of the radiator stop leak products can do a fantastic job. even on block cracks.
but a cracked block represents a much greater risk of failure than merely water leaking out. the engine could fail structurally.
ford blocks are notorious for cracking... hopefully otheres here will have more to say on this.
if you DO go.. take it easy. have a cell phone that works.
2007-08-09 21:49:14 · answer #9 · answered by disco legend zeke 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the only part of that that seems a little funky is that you will be in one of the hottest parts of the whole country. but your idea of checking at every stop would be a must.
i would buy the premix just so there is less hassle, bring a few gallons with you though in case the gas stop you are at doesnt carry the stuff you need when you do get low.
2007-08-09 21:42:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to the drug store and by liquid glass, (sodium silicate) drain out your antifreeze put straight water back in, leave it low. Whatever cylinder the crack is on pull that plug. Pour the liquid glass in your radiator and start your car, let it run till it gets hot. Shut it off let it cool down put your spark plug back in drain the radiator put your antifreeze back in. Sometimes that will last 2 weeks, sometimes years
2007-08-09 21:54:33 · answer #11 · answered by Mark 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋