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coolant loss 200 89

posted by  someone claiming to be Brad on  Tue Dec 12 04:32 CST 2000 [RELATED]

I've noticed a significant loss of coolant (from max line to nearly empty overflow tank in 1 week) and have checked all the usual locations for leaks. I can detect a faint smell of antifreeze in the exhaust, and saw alot of white smoke this cold morning. My first question is, am I on the right track to suspect a head gasket problem? Secondly, what damage would I have likely caused driving this way for the past three weeks??? I plan to bring the car to the shop tomorrow. Thanks in advance. Any advice is appreciated, I hope to keep this car for a long time!







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    Re: coolant loss 200 89

    posted by  someone claiming to be mike gambone on  Tue Dec 12 15:43 CST 2000 [RELATED]

    Brad,

    Sure it could be the head gasket, but unless its been overheated hard a bunch of times or you have 2 or 3 hundred thousand miles on it, I would take a close look at that water pump. I had one leak through the weep hole and by driving the air would sent the coolant under the car onto, you guessed it, the hot exhaust (thought I was losing a head gasket due to the anitfreeze smell). My point is look carefully before a mechanic takes your hint (and money) on the head gasket. Unless you run very low on coolant or overheat it, your not doing any damage (though its not the time for a 700 mile trip). Good luck.







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      Re: coolant loss 200 89

      posted by  someone claiming to be Brad on  Wed Dec 13 03:05 CST 2000 [RELATED]

      Mike,

      It's a fancy "improved" water pump from IPD that I installed when changing the timing belt just 60k mi ago. With that said I will check that weep hole immediately! Thank you for the advice, I'll post back when I figure out the cause. If I wasn't so pressed for time and a vehicle, I'd love to make a homemade pressure tester from a cap and air fitting....good idea!

      -Brad







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    Re: coolant loss 200 89

    posted by  someone claiming to be MittenHed on  Tue Dec 12 05:02 CST 2000 [RELATED]

    The head gasket sounds like a good guess. You have probably no caused too much damage. Be sure that your oil is uncontaminated, and that you do not loose so much coolant that you overheat.






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