pipewrench
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- GA
I think I have finally gathered up enough clues to think my head gasket is failing, just want some advice.
When driving on the interstate, temp will slowly creep to around 220. (Between optimal and the next mark on the gauge) Once you get off and get on back roads, it will come back toward 210. Also it should be noted, my coolant needs topping off every so often.
New thermostat, and the coolant has been flushed several times. It doesn't overheat at idle.
I bought a block tester kit from napa, but the results were kind of strange. The dye did turn from the dark blue to a green tint. Not full on yellow.
There is zero smoke, zero oil residue on filler cap, no traces of oil in coolant or coolant in oil.
Am I over reacting to this temperature rise and need to figure if the radiator is clogged or a flow problem? Electric fan kicks on as it should.
My brain is thinking the slow temp rise is due to a small head gasket issue. When you're in the throttle hot exhaust gas is getting in the coolant and it can't reject the heat. Strange that theres not obvious oil in coolant though.
Any advice is appreciated, I have read lots of threads on this but seems like every situation is slightly different.
1999 4x4 Auto
134k 4.0
When driving on the interstate, temp will slowly creep to around 220. (Between optimal and the next mark on the gauge) Once you get off and get on back roads, it will come back toward 210. Also it should be noted, my coolant needs topping off every so often.
New thermostat, and the coolant has been flushed several times. It doesn't overheat at idle.
I bought a block tester kit from napa, but the results were kind of strange. The dye did turn from the dark blue to a green tint. Not full on yellow.
There is zero smoke, zero oil residue on filler cap, no traces of oil in coolant or coolant in oil.
Am I over reacting to this temperature rise and need to figure if the radiator is clogged or a flow problem? Electric fan kicks on as it should.
My brain is thinking the slow temp rise is due to a small head gasket issue. When you're in the throttle hot exhaust gas is getting in the coolant and it can't reject the heat. Strange that theres not obvious oil in coolant though.
Any advice is appreciated, I have read lots of threads on this but seems like every situation is slightly different.
1999 4x4 Auto
134k 4.0