Doctor Olds
I Need A Remedy For What's Ailing Me.
Premium,VIP
join:2001-04-19
1970 442 W30
clubs:
1 edit | reply to becdetmer
Re: [Help] Mechanic says I have a blown head gasket?
The cap must be lined up on it arrows or the overflow tank will not refill the radiator. Anytime an engine runs hot and the overflow is found empty then the radiator level needs to be checked by removing the cap when the engine is cold to visually make sure that it is not empty as well. Not checking the actual radiator level after overheating can cause it to overheat again damaging the engine, blowing the head gaskets and possibly cracking the metal in the heads due to the lack of coolant in the system. When the system is really low, there is not enough coolant to cover the temp sensor and the engine will overheat, lose power, but the dash temp gauge will not show overheating until after the damage is done.
There is not a quick fix to blown head gaskets as it is labor intensive work and requires that the heads be sent out to a machine shop for cleaning, visual inspection for surface cracks (which means new or used heads to replace the cracked heads if found to be in that condition) and/or being warped/twisted from the overheating which would require the head surface to be refinished (machined flat again on a table lathe or flat table) so that it is true and flat again or the new gaskets will not seal properly which will lead them to fail again prematurely.
Sometimes and it is only a "bandaid" at best, you can seal slight head gasket leaks with a product called Bar's Leaks. However, the directions are time consuming and must be followed exactly or it will not work for even a minute. All coolant has to be completely flushed from the engine and only plain water can be used to treat the leak areas with the sealer. Once treated and left to air dry for 6-12 hours after draining, then and only then can coolant be put back in the engine since coolant being slick prevents the sealer from working but the coolant does not affect the sealed area after it has air dried as it has changed chemistry when hardened when applied properly using water alone. Read product bottle for exact steps.
Bar's Leaks Head Gasket Repair - repairs blown head gaskets & Cracked heads!
»www.barsproducts.com/1100.htm
How Does Bar's Leaks Works?
»www.barsleaks.net/how2works.html
Regards,
Doctor Olds
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What’s the point of owning a supercar if you can’t scare yourself stupid from time to time? |
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Greg_Z
Premium
join:2001-08-08
Springfield, IL | Doc, Why am I having Dejavu »www2.dslreports.com/forum/r19411···nic-Woes |
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Doctor Olds
I Need A Remedy For What's Ailing Me.
Premium,VIP
join:2001-04-19
1970 442 W30
clubs:
| Yes, pretty strange to have two of the same so close together, but different. Coincidence? I've no clue...
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What’s the point of owning a supercar if you can’t scare yourself stupid from time to time? |
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Hall
Premium,MVM
join:2000-04-28
Dayton, OH | Too coincidental.... One appears to be from the husband, the other from the wife. |
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Doctor Olds
I Need A Remedy For What's Ailing Me.
Premium,VIP
join:2001-04-19
1970 442 W30
clubs:
| Sadly it sounds like their lack of meeting the vehicles basic maintenance needs (coolant flush and fill plus cooling system diagnostic test under $60.00) has cost them a whole lot more. Perhaps their next vehicle will receive its needed attention before instead of after the fact if they learn from this very expensive mistake. 
I've seen too many vehicles killed like this over the Years and it is from the I'll drive just a bit further cause I'm late or I don't want to walk let's keep going excuses being just enough to fry the engine good.  That and the it doesn't need looking at now as it cooled down and I topped off/refilled the overflow tank so it can't overheat again attitude.
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What’s the point of owning a supercar if you can’t scare yourself stupid from time to time? |
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