Blown head gasket

Tiny
STEPHEN KARANJA
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 201,000 MILES
I replaced the head gasket about two years ago. About two weeks ago the same van had symptoms of a blown head gasket. And I confirmed it by seeing bubbles in radiator fluid and also water and oil mixture by looking in the oil cap and white smoke coming from tail pipe. What is puzzling is this van has not overheated since I fixed it. The temperature gauge has remained very steady throughout. What I did notice though was the top radiator hose was contracting back and forth. I checked on thermostat and I assume it had remained locked. It was defective. Could this cause a head gasket problem. I also heard this vans are known for blowing head gaskets. Is this true?Because of design problems. Please give me expert opinion.
Saturday, November 5th, 2016 AT 3:24 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
If a thermostat is stuck closed it will most definitely cause an immediate overheating.
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Saturday, November 5th, 2016 AT 6:18 AM
Tiny
JOHNNY G.JR
  • MECHANIC
  • 320 POSTS
Possible warped head from first gasket change not noticed.
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Sunday, November 6th, 2016 AT 5:54 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Hey STEPHEN

These engines had big problems with cracked cylinder heads. When the heads were off did you have them pressure tested and resurfaced?

Please let us know what you find so it will help others.

Best, Ken
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Monday, November 7th, 2016 AT 9:46 AM

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