95 RRC Overheating issue...

[Fehd]

Symptoms....

1) Inconsistent heat in the cabin... particularly when not moving (stoplights, traffic)
2) Needle will randomly creep while in motion, but once I shut it down and let it cool, it won't creep at all the remainder of the trip home.
3) Expansion tank over-pressurizes and blows coolant out
4) No other leaks found
5) Engine makes funny noises (from the exhaust) sometimes when its cold. Popping.
6) Expansion tank coolant smells like gas
7) Randomly dies at lights or bogs down. Only happened twice, but hasn't happened since.

All those symptoms make me think its a bad thermostat and possibly a leaking head gasket.

She's parked pending parts and time to work on it.

Any advice on things to check?

TIA,
Fehd

 

[p m]

All your symptoms, unfortunately, point to a blown head gasket (or both). Hope the block is intact.

 

[Fehd]

Wouldn't a blown head gasket manifest itself in the form of white vapor out of the exhaust?

 

[p m]

it would - at the terminal stage of the engine. But you already have the smell of gas or exhaust in coolant.

 

[57loboy]

it would - at the terminal stage of the engine. But you already have the smell of gas or exhaust in coolant.

Agree 100%... When it looks like a Stanley Steamer, it's way too late.

 

[agthird]

make sure you service the radiator they plug up very easy....