Head Gasket

[combanx]

I have been losing coolant see my other post re: Still losing coolant



Could this be a head gasket, and what would be the tell tale signs to look for.



Thanks Guys

[Khamul]

I hope to heack it's not - but it could very easily be the head gasket.



After it's been running for a bit - check the dipstick and if the oil is emulsified (sp.) so looks creamy for lack of better words..... u have a problem! If your H2 is newer and still under the drivetrain warranty (160k or 5 yrs) then it is covered...

[combanx]

[quote name='Khamul' date='11 October 2010 - 05:13 PM' timestamp='1286831633' post='21802']

I hope to heack it's not - but it could very easily be the head gasket.



After it's been running for a bit - check the dipstick and if the oil is emulsified (sp.) so looks creamy for lack of better words..... u have a problem! If your H2 is newer and still under the drivetrain warranty (160k or 5 yrs) then it is covered...

[/quote]



Hi,



Thanks for the info, however I have checked the motor oil and it has been perfect. I have always used synthetic Mobil 1 oil. The last time I changed the oil it was dark but there were no indications of antifreeze mixed into the oil.

I have also taken a close look at the coolant and it does not have any oily resdue in it. It looks fine.

Regards

Paul

[combanx]

Sorry I also forgot to mention it is a 2006 and has about 79,900km on it. The warranty was over in June 2006, it had a 4 year 80,000km warranty. I do not know if Roy Foss would do anything being that it is 3 months past but milage is still below 80,000km



Thanks Paul

[Khamul]

If it was the head gasket - it would be covered under the drivetrain warranty...



Very odd... You've never noticed any puddles? Have you checked around the overflow resevoir for small holes, leaks etc. ? If you're loosing coolant - it must be going somewhere so there is evidence - you just have to find it.



Are there any odours when you turn the heat on in the vehicle? If so then there may be a leak around or in the heater core...



You've inspected all the hoses while it's been running for evidence of fluid? Make a solution of dishsoap and water and spray it around the radiator cap and it will bubble if there is a leak but regardless - it should be evident with coolant if it's leaking - but try that regardless as may be evaporating out under pressure..



Other than that - I'm stumped, but I think if you fill it full and let it run with revving the engine from time to time..... something will show somewhere...

[Archngel]

Another sign you may look for is sweet odor at the exaust pipe,,

if head gasket is cracked between cylinderss it may leak on the cylinder and burn it up on igniton and it will give a sweet smell to the exaust fumes. The smoke from the exaust may also sit in the air longer than usual insteat of dissipating almost instantly, does the same thing when you're burning oil, smoke sits in the air for a while and smell burnt oil.



So unless you're loosong coolant by the cup and it makes puddles, you may be burning it.

[Khamul]

[quote name='Archngel' date='11 October 2010 - 06:10 PM' timestamp='1286842229' post='21809']

Another sign you may look for is sweet odor at the exaust pipe,,

if head gasket is cracked between cylinderss it may leak on the cylinder and burn it up on igniton and it will give a sweet smell to the exaust fumes. The smoke from the exaust may also sit in the air longer than usual insteat of dissipating almost instantly, does the same thing when you're burning oil, smoke sits in the air for a while and smell burnt oil.



So unless you're loosong coolant by the cup and it makes puddles, you may be burning it.

[/quote]



Good call - the exhaust will be whiter than normal...

[combanx]

Thanks guys for all the suggestions. I live up north and my driveway is gravel, however I am sure now that I have looked it over that it must be burning coolant. There is nothing different in the exhaust gas, seems to be burning clean. The right side or passenger side exhaust manifold has a crack in it. I now think that the head gasket is allowing coolant right where there seems to be a crack in the manifold.

I will bring it in to Roy Foss ASAP. I will let everyone know what happens.

Thanks Paul

[darerace]

[quote name='combanx' date='11 October 2010 - 08:39 PM' timestamp='1286843955' post='21817']

Thanks guys for all the suggestions. I live up north and my driveway is gravel, however I am sure now that I have looked it over that it must be burning coolant. There is nothing different in the exhaust gas, seems to be burning clean. The right side or passenger side exhaust manifold has a crack in it. I now think that the head gasket is allowing coolant right where there seems to be a crack in the manifold.

I will bring it in to Roy Foss ASAP. I will let everyone know what happens.

Thanks Paul

[/quote]

common for the 6 litre is water pump leaking. Doesn't seem to be a steady leak. Leaks after driving and then parked for awhile. Take a look under your truck at your water pump there is a hole where it will be leaking from you should see some sign of it.

[Khamul]

[quote name='combanx' timestamp='1286843955' post='21817']

Thanks guys for all the suggestions. I live up north and my driveway is gravel, however I am sure now that I have looked it over that it must be burning coolant. There is nothing different in the exhaust gas, seems to be burning clean. The right side or passenger side exhaust manifold has a crack in it. I now think that the head gasket is allowing coolant right where there seems to be a crack in the manifold.

I will bring it in to Roy Foss ASAP. I will let everyone know what happens.

Thanks Paul

[/quote]



It still sounds like that should be a warranty covered issue.... so if you don;t feel comfortable with the dealer - have them diagnose and if that's the issue - you can call GM Canada and verify that it's warranty covered so the dealer doesn't try a fast one.



I say that as the dealer here in Calgary has issues with honoring the warranty and we have to fight to get things done.... Hopefully they aren't the same..