tracedog67 Posted October 10, 2003 Share Posted October 10, 2003 Folks, Went last night to pick up the '96 OBW with 180k miles for my mom as mentioned in previous post. Car is one owner and the guy has taken excellent care of the car with all records intact and all maintenance performed as recommended. In Sept of 2002 he had the head gaskets replaced just like the rest of us have gotten zapped. So I am driving the car home on the highway about 65 mph max for about 30 minutes and no problems. Get off the exit and am about 5 minutes from home, driving at 40 mph and the temp gauge goes full tilt. RASSA FRASSA BRACKEN!!! Pull over, let it cool, get home and add water to radiator and overflow tank. About an hour later I take the car out on the highway again for about 50 minutes of 75 mph driving and temp guage doesn't budge from midway. I think OK maybe it was just low on water. As i literally pull into the garage the temp guage starts creeping up higher. Pop the hood and I see bubbles in the reservoir tank. Would this thing blow another gasket after only one year? The owner is a very nice older (50s) guy who I completely trust. Has anyone seen these things go again so soon? I'm starting to lose faith in SOA if they aren't going to stand behind their designs. thanks Tracy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phillip Posted October 10, 2003 Share Posted October 10, 2003 Before I pulled the engine apart, I'd check for evidence of combustion gas in the cooling system. NAPA (or many other quality auto parts stores) sell a tool that allows you to draw air from the cooling system through a liquid that changes color in the presence of combustion gas. The device is less than $35. A good radiator shop can perform the test too. While air bubbles in the radiator are a symptom of a combustion leak (head gasket or cracked head), a stuck thermostat can result boiling the coolant , introducing air into the cooling system. As the coolant circulates, the air bubbles will appear in the radiator neck. Regarding repeaded head gasket failure, do you know if the heads were checked for warpage when the gaskets were replaced? A new head gasket on a warped head is sure to blow again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tracedog67 Posted October 10, 2003 Author Share Posted October 10, 2003 yes the heads were sent out and checked when the gaskets were replaced. The seller is checking with the mechanic who performed the work. tracy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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