302 Motor Question
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Freshman User
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302 Motor Question
How can you tell if the head gasket needs replaced...The reason i am asking is b/c every now and then i have to add some coolant to the overflow and it always seems to be gone whenever i check again. I dont check it that often bc i usually forget but would this be considered a head gasket problem or what?
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,816
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From: Davis & Newcastle, CA
You shouldn't necessarily always see coolant in the overflow reservoir... When the truck warms up the thermostat opens and fills the radiator with coolant (a lot with some other components) and therefore the overflow reservoir will drain.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,557
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From: Concord, NC
There should be coolant in the overflow, unless there's a hole in the bottom of the plastic case. As the engine reaches operating temperature, if the system pressure goes above the radiator cap pressure, some of the coolant is vented to the overflow, then when the engine cools and the system pressure drops, coolant is sucked back into the system from the overflow tank.
As far as the tank always being empty, I would check over the engine for leaks. Head gaskets would be the last place I would look--there are too many other places external to the engine that are far easier to check and far more likely to be the source of the leak.
As far as the tank always being empty, I would check over the engine for leaks. Head gaskets would be the last place I would look--there are too many other places external to the engine that are far easier to check and far more likely to be the source of the leak.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 17,799
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From: Ashland City, TN
Atleast his is not random like mine.
I'll be fine for a month, or 2, and then be low. hahahaha.
Sometimes after that, I'll drive it for a day or 2, and it will be back full again.
Sometimes not. This last time, it was not.
Radiator was low also.
I'll be fine for a month, or 2, and then be low. hahahaha.
Sometimes after that, I'll drive it for a day or 2, and it will be back full again.
Sometimes not. This last time, it was not.
Radiator was low also.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
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Look at the water pump, radiator, hose connetions, ect... You should be able to see the traces of coolant where it is leaking and drying on what ever it is running down if it is leaking. You should look at it cold and hot. Sometimes things don't leak cold, but added pressure of being hot will make them leak. Sometimes being hot will give parts enough expansion to quit leaking.
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From: Columbus, GA
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Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Central PA
Its common . I replaced everything with last engine swap (rad hoses ETC) And still goes down. I even pulled engine and used 1/2 tank gas trying to get all air out of system . Rad stays up but reservoir is empty . Ow well I check oil every week any way so I top it off.
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Freshman User
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Thanks for all the help and input guys...The oil isnt milky at all and i do think it is leakin alittle around the thermostat but not enough to empty it. I will look over everything really well and see if i can see anything but it is hard to tell. The truck has over 200,000 on it and the thing runs great. Sometimes I get kinda worried when i go to takin stuff apart bc i kinda believe if it isnt broke dont fix it type thing. Dont get me wrong i dont neglect the truck but i just dont like messing with anymore than i have to. thanks again for all the input and help.