MrStratPants

Hey guys, working on diagnosing to confirm or deny head gasket problems.

Been fighting overheating for a while, this year hasn't had any problems, but I did heat up the other day so I'm back at it. Already completely overhauled the cooling system since last summer.

Anyway, no noticeable coolant in oil, no weird smoke, so I went to the other options based on this website: http://troubleshootmyvehicle.com/jee...-head-gasket-1. Read about checking for bubbles in the coolant, so I took off my radiator cap let it run to temp and watched. Saw bubbles. My question is, based on the video I have uploaded, is that the kind of bubbling I should notice if there is compression leaking into the radiator, or just air in the system?

I picked up a compression tester today, so I will be checking that next.

Here is my video I recorded:

Cheddarnut

Well, if you are not losing any noticeable coolant and you haven't flushed the system lately then it could be a head gasket on the way out. otherwise I would have said to check hoses and seals around the weather pump and thermostat.

MrStratPants

I did a flush and fill a few weeks ago actually. I was looking around and it does appear the thermostat housing is leaking a little bit on the bottom. I'll get a new gasket tomorrow probably swap it out and check again.

Cheddarnut

Cool, good luck. Post up what you find.

Firestorm500

Head gasket blown into the water jacket.

Or the head is cracked. Or both.

freegdr

Air bubbles would be more constant . Most likely just trapped air in system slowly coming out.

freegdr

This is what you dont want to see. Radiator cap on .....

freegdr

More info on when your overheating will help. ????

andrewmp6

Do a compression test that can tell you if you have a head problem or not.

Firestorm500

No, even after a complete drain and refill, all bubbles would have worked their way out after just a few hot and cold cycles. I usually only have to add coolant once to top off after changing it.

His serviced his system last year.

And he's running hot.

Cheddarnut

Well one things for sure, if it's the head gasket he'll know soon. They don't hang on for long before the big finale.

freegdr

And pressure check cooling system. Dont freak out just because theres bubbles. Every time you open the system airs reintroduced into system. Dont forget to test cap also.

freegdr

Exactly and dont come and go years apart .

extrashaky

Get one of these:



It will tell you if those bubbles are exhaust gases. If they are, you have a cracked head or blown head gasket.

If you don't want to buy one, see if you can find a local mechanic who has one and will test it for you.