exhaust

CHRYSLER VAN
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OMNIBOL
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  • 2 POSTS
Re my 86/ turbo LeBaron blowing steam and loosing coolant. Read your advice re. loosing coolant and replacing head gasket. I had hoped systems well enough advanced coolant could never enter engine heads. I guess wrong! Could blowing steam and dropping coolant only mean it is entering engine? No other way? Like nothing faulty with Thermostat?
If coolant entered engine, does quick repair (i.e. no rust settling onto pistons) with head gasket replacement suffice?
Thank you so very very much. omnibol
I live on an Island and want to know what to buy before senseless ordering.
P.S: What is BBCode?
Jan 16, 2006 at 8:07 AM
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2CARPRO JACK
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I would have the head pressure tested for leaks before reinstalling it. Those turbo chryslers cracked heads
Jan 18, 2006 at 8:45 AM
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OMNIBOL
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[quote="2carprojack"]I would have the head pressure tested for leaks before reinstalling it. Those turbo chryslers cracked heads[/quote]

Yeah, but that takes a heck of a lot more effort and $$ (in case not necessary) I tried my thermostat in the boiling water trick. It did open, but only at the boiling point. I wonder if it should open earlier. I'll call the parts guys in town tomorrow.
If the head did crack, God forbid, WHY?? Must be a lot costlier and maybe not worth the effort.
JS
Jan 22, 2006 at 5:04 AM
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Suggested Repair

Before reinstalling the cylinder head, have it pressure-tested for leaks. Turbo Chrysler heads of this era commonly crack, so a head-gasket replacement alone may not stop steam and coolant loss if the head is cracked.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1986 turbo LeBaron reported blowing steam and losing coolant, and asked whether that must mean coolant is entering the engine through a failed head gasket, whether a faulty thermostat could be the cause, and whether a prompt head-gasket replacement would be enough. The expert advised pressure-testing the head for leaks before reinstalling it, noting that turbo Chrysler heads commonly crack. The owner replied that a pressure test would cost more effort and money, said a boiling-water test showed the thermostat opening only at boiling, and questioned whether a cracked head would be worth repairing.

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