blown head gasket

201,000 MILES • 3.0L • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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STEPHEN KARANJA
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  • 47 POSTS
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.
Nov 4, 2016 at 8:24 PM
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WRENCHTECH
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 20,760 POSTS
If a thermostat is stuck closed it will most definitely cause an immediate overheating.
Nov 4, 2016 at 11:18 PM
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JOHNNY G.JR
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 320 POSTS
Possible warped head from first gasket change not noticed.
Nov 6, 2016 at 9:54 AM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,540 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
Nov 7, 2016 at 1:46 AM
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