Expert: Skip Bollinger - 11/1/2006

Question
Thanks skip for last answers, One thing I have to add and maybe this will nail it..? I had to drive my car today(only about 25 min) she stayed at the half way mark per usual, then guess what, car been sitting for 8 hours, Start Engine, warm it up a bit then turn heater/defrost on low, NO HEAT OR DEFROST, and then temp gauge went all the way to hot. I never lifted the hood when I got home from that same 25 min ride, cause it was 11pm, but when I went to hood of car, didnt see no leaks, no smell, and it didnt seem hot. Now whats going on? or Is It All related,,Lol Thanks for your help and Support~!!

Answer
Deniese,
  I'm sure you have checked the coolant since you sent me this message? Was it low? It really sounds to me like the thing works fine when it has water in it but it is going somewhere. Have you checked the oil to see if there is water in it? It will look like a milky goo. Kinda whitish brown in color and the texture of sour cream or tooth paste.
  I'd fill the cooling system with water and start the engine. Let it get to operating temperature and shut if off. Walk away and let it sit overnight. The next morning, pull the spark plugs out of the head and have someone crank the engine over to see if you get water out of any of the cylinders. IF you do, you have a bad head gasket or a cracked head. If you don't, I'm sorry but I don't' have any more ideas.
  Please remember I'm a Parts Specialist, NOT a tech but I'm trying to help. Good luck and let me know...
  Skip
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