Blew head gaskit

[kermugit]

Okay, so I was driving on the highway from Azusa ca to san diego and my temp gauge spiked alittle bit, but not by much. The temp never reached the red "danger Will Robinson" zone. This spike of temp was on a flat cool strech of highway with no hills or traffic. I was mystified because I check the fluid before I left and everything checked out. I changed the water pump, water hose, fan clutch, coolant, thermo and fresh coolant 2000 miles ago. WTF? I dont know what happened. I have taken care of this car since my dad gave me it.

[CHIF8008]

how many miles on the engien?

[kermugit]

195K, Yeah I know its about time for a swap. The engine was running like tits, so I took this as a kick in the balls. What do you think?

[Dj Buttchug]

how do you know the gasket is blown?

[kermugit]

I check the valve cover cap and it had milky crap on the it. I checked out the engine as soon as I got of the highway and some milky stuff was also in the rad tank. The oil checked okay, but it was dark and did not find any water in the oil. help....... thanks for all of your guys help.

[Dj Buttchug]

sometimes milky stuff on the oil cap is built up crankcase moisture that collects and mixes with some oil. It can also be because of vacuum leaks. Does the engine continue to overheat?

The best way to check for water in oil is to pull the dip stick and drip some oil onto the hot exhaust. If it sizzles instantly youve got moisture in the oil. If it just burns off then your ok.

If you have access to the equipment do a comp test and a cyl leakage test.

[ubernasty]

I had a brand new bavauto thermostat start sticking after a month, try that.

[gearheadE30]

I had some milky crap in my coolant tank as well this winter, and it turns out that it was junk that was in the heater core, because I didn't use the heater all summer, and the first time I used the heater, I happened to check the coolant as well. It all went away of its own accord after driving a little longer.... No temp spikes with this one though.

[kermugit]

Wow, these are all great nuances that I had no idea could be related to milky stuff in valve cap. Im going to pull her out and check her while the sun is still out. Thanks guys, this rocks that you all relyed to my puzzeling question.

[kermugit]

okay guys, I just checked the car after adding some fluid in the rad and taking a quick spin. The car never over heated while on a test cruse; no issues other than variations on the temp gauge. Is this normal, If so my other rides gauge stay in one place all the time regardless of gridlock traffic or smooth high way sailing? I did find some shit in the rad tank, but no water in the oil?

[blunttech]

well its not normal. But you said you had to add some fluid.. How much did it take> if you ran it down to a point it was pretty low that could make it spike but more info is needed. Id watch it closely and dont venture too far till you determine if its going to heat up again. close the heater core and go drive with the a/c on if you have it and see if it runs cool for 1/2 hour

[kermugit]

I did add some fluid, but it was about 8 oz, like a cup. I took it out on the street for about 45mins and it did not over heat. I do have A/C, but I have not tried that.

[blunttech]

keep an eye on the coolant and oil. maybe you lucked out

[kermugit]

Yeah I hope so! Well I did find some crap in the coolant. I just used the heater the other night; that junk could of been in there from like 7 years ago. Last time my dad used it. lol.

[blunttech]

Yeah I hope so! Well I did find some crap in the coolant. I just used the heater the other night; that junk could of been in there from like 7 years ago. Last time my dad used it. lol.

It doesnt take much moisture to raise hell. When I built my m52 I did get some moisture in it . It showed up as slight milky shit by the filler cap. Couple hours at operating temp and it cleared right up. I hope the same is true for you. Just watch it close