1990 Nissan Truck blowing steam

FRANKAWESTON

MEMBER
1990 NISSAN TRUCK

Other Category problem
1990 Nissan Truck 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Manual 269+ miles

I start the truck and drive for about 2-3 miles. Everythink is ok. Then at about the 4th mile it starts steaming from the reservoir. When I pull over pop the hood and eventhough the steam is soo hot I can pull off the cap and their is very little pressure. Now when I shut the truck off it starts to slowly steam and with in a few seconds it's steaming so much u can't even see the engine.

the weird thing is, the steam is very very hot, but the radiator and water is't. So if you could lead me in the right direction I would be thankful.

ohh by the way can you tell me where the thermostat is located and how many gallions of fluid the truck will take

just for haha's I checked the oil level and felt the dip stick and it was luke warm. Thanks Frank W

1 Reply

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Lets get the following below tests done

Sounds like a blown headgasket

Have it block and pressure tested-do the block first to pinpoint a combustion leaking into the cooling system or a gas analyzer to sniff for hydrocarbons at the radiator fill neck.

Pressure test: do not do a pressure test if there's leakage at the headgasket this might cause coolant into the cylinders and lock it up or bend a connecting rod if cranked thereafter. The headgasket should be repaired before doing the pressure test.

If the block and pressure test passes check the following: Thermostat, Pressure test the Rad. Cap, Clogged radiator, Fan clutch, Radiator electrical fan, collaspe hoses, water pump.