Car ran normally last time it was driven.
Topped off coolant; seems to be using coolant now.
Cranks, no start.
Coolant coming out past cap. Is it normal for the cooling system to be immediately pressurized ?

In a word--no. Sorry to report-- it sounds like you have a blown head gasket. -- Dave

Thanks for the suggestion. That would explain why the coolant is low. Can the gasket go from working to failed when trying to start the engine ? Are there any temporary fixes so I can get the car running to get it to a shop ?

look under the exhaust manifold between the first two outlets where the head meets the block for leakage. this is a typical place.

you will have to replace the head gasket likely before attempting to drive this much beyond your driveway.

Thank you. There is oil on the block between the second and third ports. Don't know if this is from a gasket leak or some other spill.

That would be unrelated to the coolant assuming you are talking about the intake side. But common nonetheless, given my experience.


--
Art Benstein near Baltimore

I got a job at a bakery because I kneaded dough.

I don't know enough about this to understand your comment. Underneath the exhaust manifold, and in the middle of the block, is oil. Is this an indication of a failed gasket ? I assumed the coolant loss is from burning rather than leaking. By the intake side do you mean the intake manifold ? There is oil on the block on that side as well. I don't have a compression tester or exhaust gas detector. I gather this is how a definitive diagnosis is made. Is there some other check I can make ?

Oily substance in the coolant tank may be present, or white smoke or steam in the exhaust. There may also be water in the oil turning it milky brown.

Oil leaks on the block right at the head and block are what you should look for.

Compression test is quick and easy.

Dan

Thanks for the advice. I didn't notice anything different about the exhaust when it last ran. Now it is only cranking, not running.

Why is it not running?

Auto Zone (and perhaps others) rents out tools including a compression tester. It should be a very cheap fee. If you can get this tool, don't worry about "proper" test technique, just remove all plugs when cranking and check to see if one cylinder is significantly lower than the others.

If not then your symptoms are a bit of a mystery but if you can start the car it would be OK for short drive to a shop. And tell them about your test results.

If there is a low cylinder, then along with the coolant issue that is pretty convincing proof of a leaking head gasket.
--
Bob: Son's XC70, my 83 244DL, 89 745 (Chev LT-1 V8), 98 S90 (recently sold) and 2010 XC60. Also '77 MGB and four old motorcycles

Thank you. I'll see about renting a compression tester.

oil leaking between 2 and 3 under the exhaust manifold is definitive proof of a leaking head gasket (presuming you valve cover gasket is sound)but not necessarily of a blown one. immediate coolant line pressurization is indicative of a hg that has blown or is about to.

the radiator hoses ought to remain pliable during operation. if they are rock hard fast you have gas entering the coolant.

Thanks for the reply. Everything points to the head gasket.

It's possible for the HD to "blow" between a coolant passageway and a cylinder - that would account for the instant pressurization. If that has been going on for any length of time you may find small shiny deposits on the spark plug of the offending cylinder--look for that when you pull the plugs for the compression test. Use a screwdriver or other tool (or an assistant's foot on the gas pedal) to wedge the throttle cable drum to hold the throttle open while conducting the test. -- Dave

Thank you. I'll look at the plugs.