Coolant leaking from head gasket

Post by **rgk** » 23 Mar 2013, 19:13

I need and would appreciate some advice, please. I have an '88 245 with the B240 engine.

As the title states, I have noticed a small coolant leak coming from the head gasket right behind the exhaust manifold.

I have been experiencing slow yet constant coolant loss and variable temperatures (too cool one day, just right another day, too hot yet another day, but never in the red) for quite a while, perhaps over a year. The temps can vary wildly in just one drive, but more often than not the car runs cool in the mornings on my way to work and hot in the afternoons on my way home. I have never found the source of the coolant loss until today.

I have not had any coolant in my oil, nor oil in my coolant. I have not experienced much (if any) oil loss, though when I remove the oil filler cap, I can smell gas. My drives are very regular: 20-25 minutes long at high speeds - twice a day, five days a week.

The engine runs fine, although either the spark plugs or injectors or valves are ticking rather loudly. Once in a while the engine will idle rough at a stop light. I have noticed this usually happens when the car is running cool. I THINK I can smell coolant at the exhaust - my hand smells somewhat sweet after I place it next to the pipe, though not DISTINCTLY of coolant. Finally, once in a while the car will sigh, producing a soft sound of pressure escaping, when turning it off or when applying gas after coasting at a high speed. It sounds like it's coming from the heater core.

What do you think? Is it time for a combustion gas inspection in the coolant and cylinder compression test? Or should I skip straight to removing the head, replacing the gasket, and checking it for warpage?

Any other advice?

Thank you.

Post by **JDS60R** » 23 Mar 2013, 20:31

As you guessed, remove the head, bring block and head back to square and install a quality head gasket (Victor Reinz comes to mind) with new quality head bolts. Change the valve stem seals etc while you are there and enjoy.

beavy69 · Post by **beavy69** » 24 Mar 2013, 12:53

If you want a temporary to long term solution till you can make time to do the above, try using 'Holts Radweld' if you can get it where you are, its amazing stuff. I've known it to fill larger gaps than expected. All you have to do is add it to the engine water and run it up to temperature.