Posted this over in the Chryslerminivan forums but want to hear what you all think too:
I am getting bubbles in the overflow that won't go away. The vehicle is going through coolant and there are no visible leaks. I removed the radiator cap and ran the system until the thermostat opened. Once the thermostat opened, the bubbles started and never stopped even after running it for a few minutes. Then the big frothy bubbles started (probably from overheating). Prior to that, got tons of medium sized bubbles (about what a person would usually get when a system is not bled properly). Then got tiny "champaign" type bubbles that never ended. Took the cap off and let it cool overnight hoping all air bubbles would rise to the surface (has never failed me on any vehicle). Topped it off and went for a drive. Same old situation, bubbles in the overflow about once every 5 seconds.
No white smoke from the tailpipe or moisture. No smell besides exhaust from the tailpipe. No loss of power at all. No coolant in the oil, no oil in the coolant. I see some small grey flecks at times in the coolant that look like carbon. I am guessing that this is exhaust getting into the cooling system.
Can't tell you whether or not it has severely overheated in the past. Got the vehicle just a few months ago.
Some suggestions were to do a leakdown test but getting to the rear plugs is a pain.
I have heard about the new blue devil "white label" working without the hassle of removing the thermostat. Was thinking of using it as a diagnostic and taking it from there.
If the head gaskets have to go, then they have to go.
Please don't sell me anything in this thread, nothing is more annoying.
Thanks
I am getting bubbles in the overflow that won't go away. The vehicle is going through coolant and there are no visible leaks. I removed the radiator cap and ran the system until the thermostat opened. Once the thermostat opened, the bubbles started and never stopped even after running it for a few minutes. Then the big frothy bubbles started (probably from overheating). Prior to that, got tons of medium sized bubbles (about what a person would usually get when a system is not bled properly). Then got tiny "champaign" type bubbles that never ended. Took the cap off and let it cool overnight hoping all air bubbles would rise to the surface (has never failed me on any vehicle). Topped it off and went for a drive. Same old situation, bubbles in the overflow about once every 5 seconds.
No white smoke from the tailpipe or moisture. No smell besides exhaust from the tailpipe. No loss of power at all. No coolant in the oil, no oil in the coolant. I see some small grey flecks at times in the coolant that look like carbon. I am guessing that this is exhaust getting into the cooling system.
Can't tell you whether or not it has severely overheated in the past. Got the vehicle just a few months ago.
Some suggestions were to do a leakdown test but getting to the rear plugs is a pain.
I have heard about the new blue devil "white label" working without the hassle of removing the thermostat. Was thinking of using it as a diagnostic and taking it from there.
If the head gaskets have to go, then they have to go.
Please don't sell me anything in this thread, nothing is more annoying.
Thanks
