Author Topic: Bad head gasket? (Read 5013 times)

bvolks73 · « **on:** September 14, 2006, 05:48:48 pm »

I just came back from a 1000 km trip last night (140 all the way and only a couple stops at Tim Horton's) and thought all went well but when I popped the hood this morning I saw antifreeze running down the front of the motor between #3 and #4 cylinders and some on top of the reservoir. When I took the cap off there seemed to be a lot more pressure than usual. The amount of antifreeze it lost was hardly noticeable. After taking it for a short drive everything dried up and it hasn't leaked a drop since (put about 100 miles on it today). I'm thinking it might be a head gasket problem but there is no oil in the antifreeze or vice versa. The temperature guage didn't get above the halfway mark during the whole trip. Any ideas? The motor has about 250,000 kms on it since it was rebuilt and never had a head gasket replaced.

jtanguay · « **Reply #1 on:** September 14, 2006, 08:52:28 pm »

well you can probably imagine the pressure on the head going 140

what kind of rpm's was the car at going at that speed? I'd imagine around 3500 or so. If you want the problem to go away temporarily you could put new stretch bolts... that might do? Or go with head studs

bvolks73 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 15, 2006, 02:56:37 am »

I think I'll just go with a new head gasket. It can't hurt. I was quoted $55 for the gasket and $24 for the bolts. The timing belt is about a month old so I won't need to replace that. Funny this has never happened before. I just made the same trip about a month ago without any trouble. I might look at this as an opportunity to put in the TD I have. The NA is really underpowered for highway driving.

burn_your_money · « **Reply #3 on:** September 15, 2006, 01:32:13 pm »

I buy all my stuff here now
http://www.autopartsonlinecanada.com/

Usually you get 2 day shipping (in ontario) unless what you are buying ships from BC (like injectors), then it's about 5 days I think. It mostly comes from Toronto.

HGs are between $20 and $30 on there

bvolks73 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 15, 2006, 02:03:00 pm »

I've checked out their site (even have it in my favourites) but have never ordered from them. I've heard so many bad stories about some of those online places but I might give them a try since I've heard some good feedback from you. Their prices are definitely a lot cheaper than most. Thanks.

burn_your_money · « **Reply #5 on:** September 15, 2006, 02:39:47 pm »

Bought from them twice and never a single problem. Except when I bought my injectors, 2 came with new heatshields (as pictured) and 2 didn't. No big deal though.
I'll be ordering a HG from them this weekend as well

zagarus · « **Reply #6 on:** September 15, 2006, 03:31:32 pm »

Woooo now i know where i can get my 90A alternator from!! saweeet. 45amp alt just doesnt cut it anymore.