My wife texted me these pictures of my T4R while I'm traveling for work... crap
- Thread starter twalk
- Start date
twalk
New member
So, new radiator & thermostat? That's preferable to a head gasket...
You can buy test strips to see if there are any exhaust gases entering the coolant system. They are relatively cheap. My guess is you have a bad head gasket looking at the color of that coolant or could be a cracked cylinder head.
twalk
New member
Where do you buy those strips at?
I see them on Amazon, but was hoping to grab some today so I can determine whether I should be prepared for a head gasket job, or a radiator job
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Where do you buy those strips at?
I see them on Amazon, but was hoping to grab some today so I can determine whether I should be prepared for a head gasket job, or a radiator job
This is what you're looking for and the fluid is like $8. It's a loan a tool so you should get your deposit back once it's returned.
Here is a video on how to use it:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YY2w2QvwAVo
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twalk
New member
Thanks. I've watched a few videos to get a good understanding.
I'm cautiously optimistic that my issue is a cooling issue rather than a head gasket or head cylinder issue. I don't have any of the telltale head gasket symptoms (frothy cap, steam from engine or exhaust, noticeable loss of power, overheating etc.)
Anybody wanna place bets?
twalk
New member
Headed to Autozone shortly to pick up my $11 safety-release radiator cap... fingers crossed...
98OzarksRunner
New member
Go to O'Reilly's or AutoZone (if they have them) and borrow a cooling system pressure tester (like this one - Amazon.com: Stant 12270 30 Pound Cooling System And Pressure Cap Tester: Automotive). Pump it up to 20# and if it leaks down you have something wrong (like a bad head gasket or o-ring [pink milkshake]). It should hold pressure indefinitely, so leave it on for a few minutes.
Next step is compression test, but the cooling system pressure test is easier so start there.
Next step is compression test, but the cooling system pressure test is easier so start there.
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twalk
New member
Well the new radiator cap resolved nothing, and the coolant looks more milky today than it did yesterday.
Still no abnormalities with the oil level, or consistency of the oil, no steam or white smoke, and no noticeable performance changes when driving. Just lots of coolant leaking from the reservoir cap.
Picture of open radiator a short while ago...
Well the new radiator cap resolved nothing, and the coolant looks more milky today than it did yesterday.
Still no abnormalities with the oil level, or consistency of the oil, no steam or white smoke, and no noticeable performance changes when driving. Just lots of coolant leaking from the reservoir cap.
Picture of open radiator a short while ago...
Hate to say it boss but that coolant looks awfully milky. That chocolate milk stuff is almost always a sign of bad head gasket even if the other symptons haven't appeared yet.
twalk
New member
Good to know. Thanks!
twalk
New member
This will be the first and last time I buy a car on eBayMotors, sight unseen.
Know way of knowing if the seller had any indication that this issue was lurking.
Oddly, the truck was just inspected and had some repairs done by a local reputable shop, and there was no mention of this issue. It seems like it just cropped up.
I've only put 350 miles on the truck since buying it...
Know way of knowing if the seller had any indication that this issue was lurking.
Oddly, the truck was just inspected and had some repairs done by a local reputable shop, and there was no mention of this issue. It seems like it just cropped up.
I've only put 350 miles on the truck since buying it...
twalk
New member
I just pulled it (just in front of the passenger's side firewall, correct?).
Didn't find anything note-worthy. Pics below.
JWaldz
Moderator
Picture of open radiator a short while ago...
I hope you're not driving it right now.. That is not good looking at all. Tell-tale signs of something bad to come.
cj80cruiser
Senior Member
I just pulled it (just in front of the passenger's side firewall, correct?).
Didn't find anything note-worthy. Pics below.
Good luck getting it back in. I hate pulling that dipstick out lol!
twalk
New member
Yep! I had to grab it about halfway down, near the bend, and fish it back in the rest of the way. The silver lining is I had plenty of that delicious fluid left over on my hands, so I got to lick it all off... :crazy:
twalk
New member
Nope, I'm not driving it but to run around the block to diagnose the issue...
