Think I lost a head gasket - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

dave0919 · 09-10-2008, 10:10 PM

My 2002 4 cyl. w/147K started to push coolant out of the tank, replaced the cap with no improvement. When I fill the radiator and remove trapped air, the coolant is pushed out within a min. or so. ATemp is OK and I don't think it's ever been overheated. Looking for advise or more to look at. I would to do the HG job myself so any hints would help.

Rapid Roy · 09-11-2008, 01:02 AM

Are you saying the radiator empties out within one minute? The coolant is comming out of the overflow tube? Check your oil. If you blew the head gasket, there would probably be water in the oil. The oil will look like chocolate milk.

Asteroid · 09-11-2008, 08:09 AM

So it pushes the coolant out immediately from cold? Head seems likely. If it does it only when warm it may be a thermostat stuck closed.

bigkidd · 09-13-2008, 09:52 PM

I work for AutoZone. I never see a head gasket blown. Thermostat or water pump.

Asteroid · 09-13-2008, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigkidd

I work for AutoZone. I never see a head gasket blown. Thermostat or water pump.

Errr, head gaskets are a super common problem on just about every car. Given the symptoms it seems extremely likely (coolant being forced out from combustion pressure).

89molavi · 09-13-2008, 10:26 PM

If it is the head the coolant should be brownish/oily when pushed out. Good advice on checking the oil and also under the oil cap for foam build-up. At 147K anything is possible but might be something simple.