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Overheating at idle? Dealer said that it was a blown head gasket?

Tiny
ANONYMOUS
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
  • 92,000 MILES
The heat stops working when idle, and it overheats from time to time. I have had four mechanics look at it. The dealer said that it was a blown head gasket. But the other three said no that wasn't it. I have had the thermostat, water pump, and reservoir cap (no radiator cap) replaced. When I bleed it, it will work but only for a short while.
What do you think?
Melissa
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Sunday, February 3rd, 2013 AT 11:40 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Melissa,

If it works when you first bleed the system and then stops, it almost sounds like there is a head gasket issue allowing compressed air to enter the cooling system. Is the cooling fan turning on when it is at idle to lower the temperature?

As far as a test, here is a link that explains how to test for a bad head gasket. There are a few different things to read through, but I want you to pay special attention to the one discussing air bubbles in the coolant. It's approximately 2/3rds or the way down the page. If you notice bubbles, there is a chemical test that can be done to see if exhaust gases are entering the system. The link explains how that is done.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 1:07 PM

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