Cooling system

[DebbieSzc]

I have a 94 Paseo. Water is blowing out of the overflow tank even though the guage does not show that the engine is hot. The radiator was changed and the system holds a pressure. Engine compression is also normal. Any ideas? Thanks in advance! Debbie

[MutantCheese]

Your thermostat could be stuck in the closed position. Just my first impression.

[Tercel GTS]

Does it blow water out of the radiator when spinning the engine to start it if the cap is off? If yes then remove the spark plugs and spin it with the plugs out and cap off. If it does not blow the water out with the plugs out, but does with them in you have a bad head gasket/warped head/cracked head/cracked block. If it blows the water out with the plugs out you have a restricted cooling system.

[DebbieSzc]

Excuse me for being so ignorant but how would you test for a restriction in the cooling system? Thanks so much! Debbie

[Tercel GTS]

Did you do the cap off and the spark plugs out tests? When diagnosing engine troubles you need to do checks in an order or you'll end up guessing and buying parts you don't need.

[DebbieSzc]

Yes, my husband did the tests and the engine appears to be fine. Another thing, it doesn't run hot while driving but when you turn the engine off water boils out of the little overflow tank. Thanks in advance! Debbie

[lancekilgore]

it sounds like you have a head gasket problem with the compression blowing through the head gasket. another test is to get a radiator tester and put manual pressure on the system. see if it holds or not if not then there is a leak in the head gasket. check the radiator cap?

Lance