Radiator boiling over

[Davescort97]

I have a 97 2.0 SPI. The other morning I started it up and decided to check the coolant level in the radiator. When I took the cap off it boiled out at least half of the coolant. The engine was cold at the time and I can't figure why it was doing this. Also, after checking the oil level I noticed a white creamy substance on the dip stick. The only thing I've done to it recently was a head gasket change last week. Thanks in advance.

[chevyn0va1]

Originally Posted by Davescort97

I have a 97 2.0 SPI. The other morning I started it up and decided to check the coolant level in the radiator. When I took the cap off it boiled out at least half of the coolant. The engine was cold at the time and I can't figure why it was doing this. Also, after checking the oil level I noticed a white creamy substance on the dip stick. The only thing I've done to it recently was a head gasket change last week. Thanks in advance.

did you change the oil after? should check pressure sounds like it could be leaking again unless you didnt change the oil.

[Davescort97]

I hadn't changed the oil so it may have been from before I fixed the head gasket. Also, before it was putting a lot of steam out the tail pipe which isn't occurring now. With the cap on the radiator you wouldn't know anything was wrong. It seems to run real good and there are no driveability problems. One thing is that it won't warm up. The temp doesn't go above cold. Do you think a wide open thermostat could cause this? It did overheat badly before I changed the head gasket. I'm going to check it tomorrow.

[chevyn0va1]

Originally Posted by Davescort97

I hadn't changed the oil so it may have been from before I fixed the head gasket. Also, before it was putting a lot of steam out the tail pipe which isn't occurring now. With the cap on the radiator you wouldn't know anything was wrong. It seems to run real good and there are no driveability problems. One thing is that it won't warm up. The temp doesn't go above cold. Do you think a wide open thermostat could cause this? It did overheat badly before I changed the head gasket. I'm going to check it tomorrow.

Well then Id check the t/stat. (personally I'd replace it) also you could have had an air pocket. Also seeing how it over heated check you rad cap too. All this is cheep and easy just labor. Let us know

[A. Souphound]

I agree with chevyn0va1's post, and wanted to put my two cents in. A radiator cap should never be removed with the engine running for safety sake.
Having removed the radiator cap with the engine running, you don't know if the pressure build up was normal, or if it was from engine compression entering the coolant passages. I suggest you keep a close watch on both the oil (after you change it) for signs of water (milky) and the coolant level. Since the engine overheated badly, there could be a crack in the head or block.

[chevyn0va1]

Originally Posted by A. Souphound

I agree with chevyn0va1's post, and wanted to put my two cents in. A radiator cap should never be removed with the engine running for safety sake.
Having removed the radiator cap with the engine running, you don't know if the pressure build up was normal, or if it was from engine compression entering the coolant passages. I suggest you keep a close watch on both the oil (after you change it) for signs of water (milky) and the coolant level. Since the engine overheated badly, there could be a crack in the head or block.

That would suck after all that to have a cracked block. Would it be a good idea maybe change the oil often to clean anything still inside? How about the coolant should that be flushed?

[A. Souphound]

Originally Posted by chevyn0va1

That would suck after all that to have a cracked block. Would it be a good idea maybe change the oil often to clean anything still inside? How about the coolant should that be flushed?

I agree with changing the oil more often for at least one time. As you know coolant in the oil will cause engine damage. Davescort97 gave a couple of clues about the need to change the head gasket in the first place. He referred to the previous condition of water and smoke coming out the exhaust. That tells me the head gasket was leaking between the combustion chamber and the coolant passages, and generally the piston, and exhaust valve will have been 'steamed cleaned'. During teardown, it is very hard to see or find the pathway on either the old head gasket or the head. Engines with aluminum heads crack easily when over-heated. I always satisfy myself it was indeed a leaking head gasket and not a cracked head. There always are slight inperfections in the aluminum and you wonder if it is a crack. I clean the suspect area real good and dry and then I pour a little rubbing alcohol over the area. The alcohol will migrate into the crack (if there is one) and be the last to evaporate, making the crack very visible. Hopefully, in Davescort 97's case the water entering the oil was from the faulty head gasket. The term 'boiling over' conflicts with the engine been cold. The 'now' condition of not heating does not suggest a real need for flushing but it's always a good thing to do especially if there was rust particles etc. in the coolant.

[chevyn0va1]

Originally Posted by A. Souphound

The 'now' condition of not heating does not suggest a real need for flushing but it's always a good thing to do especially if there was rust particles etc. in the coolant.

well I coudlnt say it any better but I learn alot from your posts.

[Davescort97]

Thanks for the input. You guys really know your stuff. The number 2 piston and valves were indeed steam cleaned. An update. I pulled the thermostat. It was stuck wide open. After replacing it, I flushed and changed the oil and anti-freeze. Running, I left the cap off and watched the flow of coolant in the radiator. (Don't do this). The top hose got hot and there was no coolant flowing out (boiling over) of the radiator neck. Im going to drive it and monitor the oil and anti-freeze for a while. I hope I have fixed the problem. I don't know. I don't feel too lucky today. Thanks for responding to this thread. I learned a few things. I will let you know how things turned out. All the best. Dave

[chevyn0va1]

Originally Posted by Davescort97

Thanks for the input. You guys really know your stuff. The number 2 piston and valves were indeed steam cleaned. An update. I pulled the thermostat. It was stuck wide open. After replacing it, I flushed and changed the oil and anti-freeze. Running, I left the cap off and watched the flow of coolant in the radiator. (Don't do this). The top hose got hot and there was no coolant flowing out (boiling over) of the radiator neck. Im going to drive it and monitor the oil and anti-freeze for a while. I hope I have fixed the problem. I don't know. I don't feel too lucky today. Thanks for responding to this thread. I learned a few things. I will let you know how things turned out. All the best. Dave

Let us know how you make out. BTW you know you can boil the t/stat on the stove to see if it works?

[Davescort97]

I have driven the car 100 miles and there is no evidence of coolant in the oil or oil in the coolant. I went to a radiator shop and told them what happened. They took off the radiator cap and put a pressure gauge on it. It registered 16 lbs. He said this is normal pressure. He said it would be much higher if combustion gases were leaking into the cooling system. I guess I am lucky today. Thanks for the input chevynOval and Souphound. I appreciate it. As always, Dave

[A. Souphound]

Originally Posted by Davescort97

I have driven the car 100 miles and there is no evidence of coolant in the oil or oil in the coolant. I went to a radiator shop and told them what happened. They took off the radiator cap and put a pressure gauge on it. It registered 16 lbs. He said this is normal pressure. He said it would be much higher if combustion gases were leaking into the cooling system. I guess I am lucky today. Thanks for the input chevynOval and Souphound. I appreciate it. As always, Dave

Dave,
Thanks for the input back to Chevy0va1 and I....glad to hear the good news, and it sounds like the problem is solved. "Your good to go"
All the best,