1986 Toyota Tercel Overheating Bubbles

TOYOTA TERCEL
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BARRYRUSSELL
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  • 2 POSTS
First time on this site so forgive me for any format errors and my ignorance of car mechanics. I have a 1986 Toyota Tercel. Just had the head gasket replaced at a local high school (possible mistake number one). This stopped the "geyser effect" of the radiator. Two weeks later, I am overheating again with bubbles replacing the geyser. The temp gauge did not show the temp change but the car started bucking like a bronco. The motor now sounds like it needs a major valve adjustment. So, any suggestions on the overheating and does it sound like an irreversible engine damage?
Mar 15, 2006 at 7:04 AM
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RASMATAZ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 75,988 POSTS
Have the cooling system pressure tested it will id the problem.further did they check on the w/pump.
Mar 17, 2006 at 7:16 PM
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RASMATAZ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 75,988 POSTS
Engine oil looks milky or white smoke coming out of the tail pipe

This Tercel comes with a good running 3A engines. Own one before-cheap on gas I can go anywhere
Mar 17, 2006 at 11:24 PM
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BARRYRUSSELL
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I'll check the oil color and for the color of smoke today then get back to you. Thanks
Mar 17, 2006 at 11:32 PM
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Suggested Repair

Pressure-test the cooling system to identify the cause. Confirm whether the water pump was checked, and inspect for milky engine oil or white smoke from the tailpipe.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1986 Toyota Tercel reports overheating and radiator bubbles two weeks after a head gasket replacement that had stopped a radiator geyser. The temperature gauge did not rise, but the car bucked and the engine sounds like it needs a valve adjustment. The expert recommends a cooling-system pressure test, asks whether the water pump was checked, and suggests looking for milky oil or white exhaust smoke. The owner planned to check oil color and smoke and report back.

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