Symptoms of a dying head gasket?

the65dartguy1 · Post by **the65dartguy1** » 15 Aug 2016, 16:40

I have a 2000 V70R that has a strange coolant issue. It keeps on bubbling the coolant out of the reservoir. I replaced the reservoir and the two hoses going to it. Also replaced the main coolant hoses at the same time. Still get the same problem. I have swapped the cap ( it is a green one) with another know good cap and it still seeps out. Thermostat is also new and the temperature gauge stays rock steady at the center of the read-out.
Upon shutdown after a bit of a drive or after a bit of aggressive driving I can hear and see bubbles coming from the small hose at the reservoir.
My thought ( and fear) is that the HG is leaking exhaust gases into the coolant and super heating it or over pressurizing the system. There is no oil in the coolant and no coolant in the oil. No water vapor from tail pipe (except a little on start-up).
Any thoughts/ideas greatly appreciated.

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 15 Aug 2016, 17:28

How's your turbo doing?

the65dartguy1 · Post by **the65dartguy1** » 15 Aug 2016, 17:30

Turbo seems fine for what I can tell.

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 15 Aug 2016, 17:45

I've read about how a failing Turbo or a clogged or failing Turbo intercooler can cause headgasket-like issues. The oil in your crankcase is good? Any foam?

the65dartguy1 · Post by **the65dartguy1** » 15 Aug 2016, 18:15

Oil is good. Just changed it and the old stuff looked fine as well. The car moves plenty fast, so I doubt it's a failing turbo, but suppose it could be. It has 154k on it and I doubt it's been overhauled yet.

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 15 Aug 2016, 18:25

I hope it's not a head gasket, the65dartguy1! (Though, a turbo job isn't an easy (or cheap) job either...)

I'm sure the turbo experts will chime in soon. Good luck.

101 · Post by **101** » 16 Aug 2016, 06:26

Pick up one of those kits and check for combustion gases in the coolant. That will tell you if there is exhaust making its way into the cooling system.

The other thing to check would be the coolant reservoir. They get brittle over time which can cause cracks in the plastic. I've found mine last around 70K miles, so I will typically change mine when I do the timing belt on my 98's.

Post by **erikv11** » 16 Aug 2016, 07:09

What 101 said - check the coolant for exhaust gases. A positive result would be unambiguous.

Post by **scot850** » 16 Aug 2016, 12:51

OP did say he had replaced the header tank and same result. But I agree on the gas test in the coolant is the way to go.

Neil.

the65dartguy1 · Post by **the65dartguy1** » 17 Aug 2016, 07:04

Thanks guys... I have a test kit on order... should know soon. I fear the worst however.