In a message dated 97-06-20 08:39:47 EDT, Chris.S.Mottram(at)ecc.com (Chris S.
Mottram) writes:
>What's up with that? Blown head gasket? Where should I start looking to
>make sure I don't further damage anything?
If it will still start, run it for just a minute or two, (not enough to let
it start to get warm) and pop the radiator cap (carefully, of course). If
there's pressure already there under the cap with a cold engine, you may have
a blown head gasket.
or.....
Find someone who will let you borrow a radiator pressure tester. Its simple
to use and will tell you immediately if you have a blown head gasket (or a
leaky hose).
How hot does the guage show just before it blows? You might just have a
defective cap.
All that "black sticky tar" may have just been coating the outside of the
block or the front suspension. If it was 'slimy' instead of 'sticky',
though.....
In the meantime, crack the hood if it gets hot (and you're not on the
freeway). It'll take 10 degrees off easily. I assume you're already
running with the heater and the fan 'on.'
Lastly, inspect the block for cracks. The most common ones extend
horizontally back from the alternator bracket holes.
Dick Sanders
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