Head gasket?
#1
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Head gasket?
While driving on the freeway, the car got progressively hotter, the temp (when it hit 160-180) then shot up and pegged. Pulled over, not losing any fluid, not shooting out any smoke; checked under the hood, the intake and valve covers were cool to the touch. Temp still pegged, parked it; let the car sit for a day, coolant was low, added some Prestone, started right up, when the temp got to 160-180 (again) it then just shot up to past midway, so I shut it off. I gave it a couple of revs and a bit of white smoke came out, but not a tremendous amount. I checked the oil and it's clear and I can't find a leak anywhere, I also checked around the intake manifold and didn't see leaks. The car sounds find, starts fine and sound good; is there any chance this could be something else, or is it head gasket time?
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It was a bit low on coolant, I added some today and it looks like it's holding it, it's not leaking out anywhere that I can see. I'll replace the t-stat tomorrow and hope that'll do it; I don't feel like paying for a gasket job after Christmas. Thanks for the reply.
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When in doubt, go to the basics. My mechanic did a pressure test and the head gasket is fine; there was a very small leak in the upper hose which was spraying out a very fine, but consistent, spray which was causing a slow (and invisible) leak. The t-stat was somewhat iffy as well so that got replaced. Thanks to those that responded here and via PM with advice.