Head Gasket leaks
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Keep an eye on it and drive. Buy a gallon of premix and keep it in the trunk. It may get worse and become easier to find.
Headgasket related coolant leak can only get worse over time, not constant/better (*so long as you do not add sealer or similar).
If your coolant loss gets worse over time and pressure tests verify that then yesh, headgasket leak indeed. If not (stay constant), it's somewhere else so check all the coolant joints, hoses, etc.
If your coolant loss gets worse over time and pressure tests verify that then yesh, headgasket leak indeed. If not (stay constant), it's somewhere else so check all the coolant joints, hoses, etc.
Also try running your heater on full blast and smell for coolant. I have had lots of cars with minor leaks at the heater core or connections to heater core that could only be found by smelling. As others have said also visually inspect each coolant line and connections, and especially the water pump.
Originally Posted By: Quest
Headgasket related coolant leak can only get worse over time, not constant/better (*so long as you do not add sealer or similar).
If your coolant loss gets worse over time and pressure tests verify that then yesh, headgasket leak indeed. If not (stay constant), it's somewhere else so check all the coolant joints, hoses, etc.
How fast would a headgasket leak get worse,days,weeks ,month,
Headgasket related coolant leak can only get worse over time, not constant/better (*so long as you do not add sealer or similar).
If your coolant loss gets worse over time and pressure tests verify that then yesh, headgasket leak indeed. If not (stay constant), it's somewhere else so check all the coolant joints, hoses, etc.
How fast would a headgasket leak get worse,days,weeks ,month,
Head gasket [or cracked head] may be the problem. It can be very tough to tell which is which unless it is a massive problem.
They can seal OK, then leak at running temps. So a pressure test may not show anything conclusive.
A look at all the spark plugs should show if one or two are coated differently - that is a good clue. Also check the piston top for less deposits.
But your leak may be a hose, water pump, or heater core, so find out for sure before you yank the head.
They can seal OK, then leak at running temps. So a pressure test may not show anything conclusive.
A look at all the spark plugs should show if one or two are coated differently - that is a good clue. Also check the piston top for less deposits.
But your leak may be a hose, water pump, or heater core, so find out for sure before you yank the head.
Throw in some coolant system dye and get some cheap plastic yellow lens glasses to see it with.
I've been trying to help a friend buy an inexpensive (thousand dollar) used car. The two most obvious mechanical problems people have with the cars I am finding at this price level is either the transmission is bad or the car has head gasket problems.
Can it be assumed that a leaking head gasket can blow without notice? In a thousand dollar car, would the cost to fix generally be greater than the car is worth?
Personally, I think cars with either of these two mechanical problems at this price level are better off being scrapped.
Can it be assumed that a leaking head gasket can blow without notice? In a thousand dollar car, would the cost to fix generally be greater than the car is worth?
Personally, I think cars with either of these two mechanical problems at this price level are better off being scrapped.
BKG, my opinion is if you can't do the repairs yourself, then they're better off getting scrapped at that price.
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