Starts to run hot after 15-20-miles. No apparent leaks and full of water, etc. Seems to help if turn on heat--gauge goes down.
How can I determine whether -- head gasket or intake gasket or -- ??
2007-12-29 07:04:35 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Probably a bad thermostat. Turning on the heat works, because it uses the coolant that is circulating in the motor, and it acts as a small radiator. If the thermostat is stuck closed then the cold coolant in the radiator can't get into the engine.
2007-12-29 07:49:45 · answer #1 · answered by Larry B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd start with the thermostat. Check the upper radiator hose to see if it get hot. If it does not the thermostat is stuck closed. ( change the thermostat out )
2nd I would verify the antifreeze level is correct mixture and level. Then buy a new radiator cap, it should be around 10 bucks. Caps go bad especially if you take them on and off. I loose 3 and 4th gear when my go.
If you are leaking antifreeze and there are no signs externally then it is your head or intake gasket. You should be able to tell. ( oil in antifreeze or antifreeze in oil ) OH YEAH there should always be white smoke from the tailpipe. You'll look like a world war 2 destroyer laying a smoke screen when it finally blows. Just a note the antifreeze will destroy your piston rings and bearings if left untreated.
Good luck
2007-12-29 07:24:17 · answer #2 · answered by Stan 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
SEEMS TO ME THAT YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE COOLANT CIRCULATING PROPERLY, YOU MIGHT HAVE A STOPPED UP RADIATOR, OR STUCK OPEN THERMOSTAT, OR SEVERAL OTHER THINGS MIGHT BE GOING ON..?WHEN YOU SAY FULL OF WATER..DO YOU MEAN ANTIFREEZE IN THE RADIATOR, OR IN THE RECOVERY TANK? AFTER RUNNING THE TRUCK , CUT IT OFF, POP THE HOOD, AND SEE IF YOU CAN FEEL ANY COLD SPOT IN THE RADIATOR..IF SO THEN REPLACE IT..EVEN WITH A VEHICLE THIS OLD, IT IS GOOD TO REPLACE THE THERMOSTAT WITH FRESH COOLANT...OH! WHEN YOU TURN ON THE HEAT, THE WATER GETS CIRCULATED THRU THE HEATER CORE, WHICH COOLS THE COOLANT SOME, BUT NOT THAT MUCH...I WILL ANSWER ANY QUESTION YOU HAVE JUST EMAIL ME..
2007-12-29 07:29:44 · answer #3 · answered by gotspeed7883 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when was the last time you replaced your radiator cap? If the system donesn''t have enough pressure is will run hot. also you can take it to a radiator shop and for free they will pressure test your system is only takes a minute or so to do.Start with that before moving onto a head gasket it probably something simple
2007-12-29 07:12:59 · answer #4 · answered by last time I try 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋