Initially, we were told that there was an issue with the 3.4L overheating due to the failure of the intake manifold gaskets, so we replaced them. After a short while, the problem returned whereby all the coolant was going into the reservoir. We were then told that there was exhaust leaking into the cooling system and that we had a blown head gasket. We replaced the head gaskets and reassembled the engine again with all new gaskets and bolts properly torqued.
The engine was purring and running great for about a month until yesterday whereby it began overheating again. The gauge had been holding steady at 3/8 and would occasionally go up to 1/2 but quickly return to 3/8. The heat was coming on right away with no issues. During this time the only thing I keep adding was transmission fluid. I had removed the radiator to clean out the brown sludge which I have been told was a by-product of the original Dex-Col. I've been running it with plain water to flush out the remainder of the sludge and check for leaks before adding the new antifreeze.
Yesterday however when it went over 1/2 to about 5 to 6/8 I stopped it only to find out the coolant reservoir was now full with brown sludge on top and when I opened the bleeder valves they were slowly emitting the sludge as well. When I opened the radiator cap, after it had cooled, the fluid began returning to the radiator.
The fans are working like they should. It was mentioned that it might possibly be a defective radiator cap which I replaced but to no avail.
What would cause the coolant to go into the reservoir?
Is it possible I lost another head gasket after only a month?
Could I have ruptured the trans coolant tank within the radiator?
I am totally perplexed any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Tim
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Sunday, November 3rd, 2019 AT 6:12 AM
