If you’re looking for symptoms of a blown head gasket, then the chances are either wondering if you’ve got a blown head gasket or you’ve got some mystery issues going on with your vehicle and somewhere along the line someone told you they could be symptoms of a blown head gasket. If you’re in the first group, wondering if you’ve got a blown head gasket, then first we would recommend that you check out one of our previous articles describing in detail the usual blown head gasket symptoms.
If you’re in the second group reading this article and you’ve got some mysterious symptoms in your vehicle that may be hinting at a blown head gasket, then this article will help you check those symptoms for other possible causes so you don’t have to repair your head gasket.
The most common misdiagnoses symptoms of a blown head gasket are coolant disappearing miraculously or an overheating engine for no apparent reason. If you’ve got a good understand of the cooling system in your car, then it becomes quickly apparent that these two things combined actually make a lot of sense. If your car is slowly (or quickly) losing coolant then it stands to reason that your cooling system will slowly lose its capacity to cool things down due to the lack or water until even normal driving will cause your engine to overheat.
If you’re experiencing these two symptoms of a blown head gasket we recommend checking some other things out. First, try simply refilling your cooling system to see if that keeps your car cool. If that does the trick for multiple days, you may simply have a coolant leak. Coolant leaks can be extremely tricky to find as the coolant in your vehicle will escape as steam during normal driving conditions so it doesn’t leave the evidence that, say, an oil leak will. Also, since your cooling system pressurizes while driving, it’ possible the leak only shows up when the car is at operating temperature, or while you’re driving making it very hard to find the next morning when things are cool.
The best way to discover a mystery coolant leak is to add UV dye to your cooling system. This is available at most auto parts stores and will often come with a UV flashlight. Add the dye to your radiator and drive normally for a few days. Then, park your car in a dark place, like a garage at night, and search your engine and engine bay for the dye. Where ever the leak is, the dye will light up under the UV flashlight pointing out your leak and giving you hope that you don’t have a blown head gasket.
The other often misdiagnosed symptom of a blown head gasket is a rough or poorly running engine. If you truly have a blown head gasket, then the coolant leaking into the combustion chamber will make combustion difficult and add lots of chemicals that shouldn’t be there causing misfires, a poor idle and bad fuel economy. However, a poorly tuned engine or dirty engine will run the same way making it difficult to tell what the real problem is. Since it’s good for your car anyhow, you may consider a good tune up to see if that can get your engine running normal again. Along with changing filters and spark plugs you should consider cleaning your fuel system using BlueDevil Fuel System Cleaner.
If you’ve noticed some symptoms of a blown head gasket coming from your vehicle we strongly recommend checking for these other two sources of similar symptoms with less expensive easier fixes first. If it turns out neither of these is your problems and you’ve got multiple symptoms as noted in our other article, then there I a high chance that you do have a blown head gasket.
If you discover a blown head gasket in your vehicle, then we recommend using BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer to stop your leak. BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer will seek out the leak in your head gasket and form a seal at the leak point without harming or damaging any other part of your cooling system.
For more information about BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer, visit our product information page here: BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer
You can also purchase BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer at any of our partnering local auto parts stores like:
- AutoZone
- Advance Auto Parts
- Bennett Auto Supply
- CarQuest Auto parts
- NAPA Auto Parts
- O’Reilly Auto Parts
- Pep Boys
- Fast Track
- Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts Specialists
- S&E Quick Lube Distributer
- DYK Automotive
- Fisher Auto Parts stores
- Auto Plus Auto Parts stores
- Hovis Auto & Truck Supply stores
- Salvo Auto Parts
- Advantage Auto Stores
- Genuine Auto Parts stores
- Bond Auto Parts stores
- Tidewater Fleet Supply
- Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts
- Any Part Auto Parts
- Consumer Auto Parts
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symptoms_of_a_blown_head_gasket.jpg – By JBromley – Licensed by Getty Images – Original Link
BlueDevil Products can be found on Amazon.com or at AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, O’Reilly Auto Parts, NAPA, and other major auto parts retailers.
51 responses to "Symptoms of a Blown Head Gasket"
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We have just recently purchased a 300chrysler v 6 that is running hot and was told that head gasket may be the problem I’ve tried everything I can to rectify the problem hoping your product will help. Removing the thermostat is a pain and really time consuming so what do you suggest we do in order to use the head gasket product????
Richard-
We recommend applying 16 ounces of BlueDevil Pour N Go Head Gasket Sealer. This is an easy-to-use product that does not require the thermostat to be removed. It can be purchased through your local auto parts store (Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto, NAPA, etc.).
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a Holden Epica 2008 model and the engine oil is like a milky color it keeps over heating and also keep losing coolant would this problem be from a water pump
Nicole-
Thank you for asking about your Holden Epica. Water/coolant mixing in with the engine oil is exactly the kind of leak the BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer would be intended for. You would want to change the oil before and after the process. Feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 with any questions.
Thank you!
-BDP
i have a nissan sentra 2014 pure drive how do i use the blue devil
Suzette-
Thank you for asking about your Nissan Sentra. What are the symptoms the vehicle is having? The directions for the product are printed on the back label, however, feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 so that we can make any appropriate recommendations.
Thank you!
-BDP
I own a 2004 Chevy Avalanche with 210 000 miles on it. It has alway used small quantities of coolant. Four weeks ago the temperature fell under 23 degrees. The next morning the engine coolant was frozen solid. Once I was able to defrost it, I noticed 3 freeze plugs were missing. My thermostat housing was cracked. After repairs, I re installed exhaust manifold on passenger side .
I used UV leak detection dye and I have small leaks from head to exhaust manifold bolt holes (very small) Also UV dye on bolt on top of head cover. I am using about 1 gallon of coolant a day. I have some white smoke out of exhaust. The oil dipstick shows some coolant dye on it. I don’t know if a have blown head gaskets or cracked heads. Any suggestions? Will your product help?
Thank you
Armando-
Thank you for asking about your Chevy Avalanche. Based on your description, we’d recommend using the BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer. White smoke/steam billowing out of the exhaust pipe would be one of the tell tale signs of a head gasket leak. Feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 with any other questions.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 97 kia sportage its blowing out white smoke mix with blue smoke. Tha engin skipping really bad.
Dez-
Thank you for asking about your Kia Sportage. A white smoke would indicate water/coolant burning, where a blue smoke would indicate oil burning. Are you losing both water/coolant and oil? Please contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 so that we can get a little better understanding of the vehicle’s condition and be able to make any appropriate recommendations.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hi, I have a 1997 BMW 850Ci V12. I am suspecting that I have a blown head gasket. The temperature gage is ever so slightly past the middle. Once every 2-3 weeks the temperature goes up very fast. I shut the car down and after 3-4 minuets it is all back to normal of slightly over the middle. I have changed the thermostat and am in the process of changing water-pump. I assume it is my head gasket because when I was replacing the coolant it started bubbling violently out of the overflow bottle. Almost like it was boiling. Am I right in assuming I have a blown gasket?
Also the other day I saw some foam in the oil cap. Mind u I have not been driving the car just idling for the past 3 weeks so that could be the cause of the foam. Anyhow. Do u recommend putting ur product in a rare V12?
Steven-
Thank you for asking about your BMW. Based on your description, it’s possible that you are getting combustion/exhaust gases pumping back into the cooling system. You can use a “Block Dye Tester” to confirm whether or not that is the case.
BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer will still work if your vehicle is getting combustion/exhaust gases blowing into the cooling system and creating pressure. To give yourself the best overall chance of BlueDevil working successfully, in addition to the directions, you should remove the spark plug from the cylinder with the leak; this will be the spark plug from the cylinder with the low compression reading. If you are not sure which one that is, you may pull all of the spark plugs and will notice one will have a white-crystal-like substance on it and/or may look dirty; this is the plug you should pull. Leave that plug out for the 50 minute idle in order to relieve the pressure from building up and thus allowing the product to seal properly. Be sure to follow the guidelines for the proper amount to use based on the size of your cooling system.
Thank you!
-BDP
i have a 2004 volvo v70. it runs pretty good. with the engine warming to 1/2 after 10 min of driving. But it often blows cold air from heat vents.. and it is consuming coolant, yet no visible leaks to ground. No coolant smell inside from heater core. The car blows white smoke out the tail pipe, and sometimes out the top of the engine. I think i even saw coolant coming out the top of engine There are a decent ammount of bubble going back into the reservoir , but a combustion leak test showed no combustion gasses in the coolant, ie, no color change– liquid stayed blue for 5 minutes. Plus the spark plugs are oily[not milky, not clean, not white], and the oil is clean. Lastly, The car never overheats… even if the coolant gets low.
I just cant figure out Any ideas on how i am losing coolant and as a result, getting poor heat.
Rich-
Thank you for asking about your Volvo. White smoke/steam coming out of the exhaust pipe is a tell-tale sign of a blown head gasket. Based on your description, and the fact that the vehicle is losing coolant, the symptoms you’ve described are that of a head gasket leak/issue. You can try bleeding the system to see if that eliminates the bubbles and possibly helps restore proper heat out of the vents.
It may be worth doing a block/dye test again. It’s possible that the leak is so miniscule that it may take longer for the test to detect any carbon gases.
Hope this helps!
-BDP
I had a similar problem and it turned out to be the lower intake manifold Gasket on my 2004 grand prix 3.8 v6. There were several coolant passages through there and it was burning the coolant and had all the other symptoms of a head gasket leak ecxept the coolant and oil stayed clean. And the compression was good.
I have a 2011 Hyundai Equus ultimate package. A few weeks ago I refilled my power steering fluid and noticed I had almost no coolant. My car doesn’t have a coolant sensor and my vehicle wasn’t showing any signs of overheating so I had no idea. I topped off on that too and a week later I checked again, the power steering fluid stayed the same but the coolant was down to the half way point. I figured since it was almost empty before, the coolant loss was just due to it cycling through. I topped it off again and then 2-3 weeks later I decided to take another look and now it’s almost empty again. The car isn’t leaking anything from the bottom, I removed the skid plates to check if there was any evidence of a leak, still nothing. I suspected an internal leak so checked the radiator/radiator cap and the water pump, still nothing. I’ve looked at everything in the engine bay and the exhaust, its completely dry. The car isn’t driving abnormally, making noises, producing abnormal vapor from the exhaust or overheating. The coolant level doesn’t change when it’s not being used but it will lose over an inch of coolant after driving for 15 minutes. I genuinely have no idea where the coolant is going and I need help. I’m praying it’s not a head gasket issue
Tyler-
Thank you for asking about your Hyundai. Based on your description, you may not have an issue at all. Does the coolant level look normal when the engine is cold? If so, it doesn’t sound like you have a leak. Keep in mind, water/coolant will be pulled from the reservoir as needed to circulate through the system.
Thank you!
-BDP
Dear Tyler,
I need your help with my 97 Honda Accord. I suspect that it needs a new head gasket, even though it was replaced along with the radiator and water pump a few months ago. Recently, the heater stopped blowing out hot air and eventually stopped working altogether, along with the defroster. There was a rattling noise under the hood but I’m not sure what caused it. Yesterday, I noticed that the car was running hot and it eventually overheated, causing a hose to burst. After letting the car sit for a few hours and fixing the hose, the car seemed to run fine on the way home. However, the next day I drove the car for about twenty minutes and turned it off, it would not start. I’m not sure if this is related, but a week prior to this incident, my brakes locked up and began smoking, although the issue only lasted a few minutes. The smell of burning rubber also persisted for a few hours. Do you have any suggestions on what could be wrong?
Thank you for your help.
Sincerely,
Racheal
Check the ERG valve it has the very same symptoms of white steam out tail pipe and I burnt fuel smell. The coolant water evaporation is where the coolant loss starts and if coolant not kept checked it get low and car overheats.
Hey I have a 2011 Audi s5 v8 4.2L, at first I was overheating issues. I changed the thermostat and the water pump. Then all of a sudden my coolant started leaking after driving it for a good 15mins. I changed the radiator and now coolant pushes out the reservoir excess hole when i drive. However it seems to
Stop under the “min” line. I’m not sure what it is causing it
Ibnardo-
Thank you for asking about your Audi. Based on your description, it sounds as though you may have an air pocket trapped in the system. If you try bleeding/burping the system to get rid of the excess air, the issue should stop.
It is also possible that you are getting combustion/exhaust gases pumping back into the cooling system. You can use a “Block Dye Tester” to confirm whether or not that is the case. If combustion/exhaust gases are confirmed, we recommend using the BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer. BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer will still work if your vehicle is getting combustion/exhaust gases blowing into the cooling system and creating pressure. To give yourself the best overall chance of BlueDevil working successfully, in addition to the directions, you should remove the spark plug from the cylinder with the leak; this will be the spark plug from the cylinder with the low compression reading. If you are not sure which one that is, you may pull all of the spark plugs and will notice one will have a white-crystal-like substance on it and/or may look dirty; this is the plug you should pull. Leave that plug out for the 50 minute idle in order to relieve the pressure from building up and thus allowing the product to seal properly. Be sure to follow the guidelines for the proper amount to use based on the size of your cooling system.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have an excessive amount of pressure in my cooling system but my gauge never goes up,also my heater works extremely well but if I remove my cap when engine is cool and start the engine coolant starts to spray out of the radiator when cap is on properly the hoses get extremely tight and hot I’ve replaced the thermostat,even removed it completely at one point hoping the system would flow freely but no matter what I do the pressure is off the charts. I’m thinking head gasket but I rarely see an excess of steam coming from the pipes like most cars I have condensation but mainly it smells like unburnt fuel plus I have a high idle that won’t go down after warm up? I sprayed maf sensor cleaner around some of the vacuum lines and the one that made the idle go even higher was the one from the evap canister to a solenoid or some type of electrical valve that goes to a vacuume port at the base of my fuel injection intake I’m not quite sure what to call it it’s a 5.8 litre Ford bronco with the two intake hoses coming from the air box to the butterfly valve and the base looks like a carburetor? If that makes sense? But the vacuume inlet is there at the base front of engine and goes to the electric valve and then to the evap canister located next to the battery or actually just below and the other line goes toward the fuel tank. Both of these issues are driving me crazy pressure in radiator and high idle help????
Robert-
Based on your description, it may be worth having a block-dye test performed to check for combustion/exhaust gases in the cooling system. It really doesn’t sound like you have any of the tell-tale signs of a blown head gasket, however, could have warped/cracked heads if combustion/exhaust gases are leaking into the radiator. It sounds like the thermostat is opening up and allowing you to get good heat, which makes it a little more difficult to diagnose. It may be best to bring the vehicle to a certified ASE mechanic for a full diagnosis.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2006 Dodge Durango 4.7L V8 it runs hot and we have changed the thermostat but it’s still getting hot I absolutely do not have $2000 to fix a gasket is there anything else that can be done? It has only put a little white smoke out maybe 3 times when I saw it getting hot it was shut down and let set to cool down. Thank you
Harley-
Thank you for asking about your Dodge Durango. Have you noticed a loss of water/coolant? Please contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 so that we can get a little better understanding of the vehicle’s condition and be able to make any appropriate recommendations.
Thank you!
-BDP
I’m suspecting I have a blown head gasket on my 2007 Subaru wrx, problem being there is hardly any signs except white smoke coming out the exhaust that has a slight smell of oil. There are no visible coolant or oil leaks, the engine is not over heating, it’s not idling rough, it doesn’t look like oil has mixed with the coolant, though when I tried turning the heater on it would only blow cold. I will be getting a leak down test and compression test but if that comes back okay I don’t know what else it could be, is there any other reasons this would be happening and what could I do or what products can I use to find out? Thanks.
Kya-
Thank you for asking about your Subaru. Do you seem to be low on either water/coolant or oil? Please contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 so that we can get a little better understanding of the vehicle’s condition and be able to make any appropriate recommendations.
Thank you!
-BDP
Good day, I have a Peugeot 207. I noticed oil in my coolant tank, I had my mechanic drain out the tank and radiator, clean the tank properly then added fresh coolant but i noticed after doing that I feel hot air coming in from the ventilators and coolant kept going down with no traces of leak. Now i am back to square 1 with oil in coolant and having to add water after every drive. Car runs fine except after i have used it for half of the day then I see the anti pollution sign come up, if i allow it rest for an hour or two it drives fine again. Could this be a head gasket issue? Thanks
Seun-
Thank you for asking about your Peugeot. Based on your description, it does sound like it may be related to a bad head gasket. Unfortunately, we don’t manufacture a product intended to stop oil from getting into the water. A hard part repair may be your best option.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hey I have 2013 Hyundai Genesis coupe 2.0t the car will start up fine and run fine. No coolant leaks but when I get off at my house to open my gate the rpms seem to jump up and down during idle and starts letting out white smoke.
Fred-
Thank you for asking about your Hyundai Genesis. Have you noticed whether the engine is overheating at all? Is the white smoke coming out of the tail pipe? Please contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 so that we can get a little better understanding of the vehicle’s condition and be able to make any appropriate recommendations.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hi,
I have a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 315,000 miles. While driving down the highway it went into limp mode and was also blowing cold air from the heater vents. I turned it off and back on and everything was fine. I took it to the closest shop who said it was the head gasket because there was bubbling when he took the radiator cap off. He said to try to get where I was going and look for a new car. I proceeded on my way and drove 180 miles home without it occurring again. I have looked up about a head gasket and I don’t believe I have most of the symptoms. No overheating, no white smoke. I did think I was low on coolant 2 days ago and had it topped off, but it is fine now. I have had a loss of power going up hills and less mpg, but figured it was just getting tired lol. I’m not sure, but should I use your product just in case?
Gina-
Thank you for asking about your Jeep Grand Cherokee. Based on your description, it sounds as though it may be in the beginning stages of a head gasket or warped/cracked heads leak. If it is not currently losing coolant, it would not be a good candidate for the BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer. The product is only intended for water/coolant leaks.
We’d recommend continuing to monitor the coolant levels and temperature gauge going forward. If it appears to be losing coolant on a regular basis, that’s when it’d be applicable to use the product.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Turbo 2.0 that we had a dye test performed on and found a small leak at the rear of the head gasket. We have been smelling a burnt oil smell in the cabin and experiencing excessive oil consumption. Would you still recommend your product in this case?
Ryan-
Thank you for asking about your Hyundai Santa Fe. The BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer is only intended for water/coolant leaks. Unfortunately, we do not manufacture a product intended to stop oil from leaking from the head gasket. A hard part repair may be your best option.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2003 Dodge neon 2lt I had multiple misfires I change out the spark plug wires and when I took out spark plug 4 there’s was oil on the thread of the spark plug alot does that mean a blown head gasket
Teresa-
Thank you for asking about your Dodge Neon. Were you able to confirm if oil was getting into any other cylinders? Have you had to add any oil? Oil on the spark plug doesn’t necessarily indicate a blown head gasket, however, it is something you would want to have checked out immediately.
Thank you!
-BDP
Great website! Thanks
I have a 2006 BMWx5 3.0i that runs cold. Doesn’t seem to be losing coolant (maybe a very small amount, like an ounce per month) but has milkshake gunk on the oil fill cap. I drive it on the highway 15 – 20 minutes to and from work. The engine temp never goes past 1/4. The engine seems to run fine.
I’m guessing it has a thermostat stuck open ? Could the cold engine temp cause the gunk build up in the valve covers?
I plan to do the coolant test checking for exhaust gas at the radiator cap and a compression test.
If it appears I have a blown head gasket, will your repair fluid work properly with an engine that runs cold? Or do I need to replace the thermostat/waterpump first? Thermostat replacement is a pain in the butt on this vehicle. Maybe I should wack it a couple times..
Thank you for your help!
Mike-
A faulty thermostat would explain the low engine temperature readings on the dashboard, however, it wouldn’t be a direct cause for the gunk you’ve found underneath the oil cap. Replacing the thermostat would be the best place to start. If you are continuing to have issues after the replacement, feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 with any other questions.
Thank you!
-BDP
I’d try a system flush, clear everything from oil then put clean in. Most any oil change place can do this for you.
Recently bought an 08 Chevrolet Equinox, dude says he replaced radiator, water pump, and thermostat. But its still overheating. I see no cracks and no fluid. Now what?
Kelly-
How quickly is it overheating? Without know the service history on the vehicle, it may be best to have the cooling system flushed to remove any possible contaminations or restrictions. We’d recommend using the BlueDevil Radiator Flush! Feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 with any other questions.
Thank you!
-BDP
Have a 2012 BMW 640i. It gives a drive train error. Car was driving fine without issues 2 hours later car wouldnt start. Replaced the spark plugs. Spark plug 6 has a bit of oil on. Car started after changing spark plugs but had a rough idle and white smoke was coming from the exhaust. Car is also using alot of coolant, once a week needs to be topped up. Car is not driven alot. Could it be a leak in the head gasket or blown head gasket?
Tanya-
Thank you for asking about your BMW. Unfortunately, it does sound like you are describing symptoms of a blown head gasket. The BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer is only intended for water/coolant leaks. If you are leaking oil and water/coolant, replacing the head gasket may be your best option.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hi I have an 07 DTS with 59k miles that is running hot.The radiator is less than a year old change the thermostat water pump in the vehicle is still overheating rather quickly oil is clean and I’m not losing any coolant, I get pressure on the top hose but don’t get pressure on the bottom holes from the radiator seems like the coolant is not circulating. Any suggestions
Ernie-
Thank you for asking about your Cadillac DTS. Have you noticed if the coolant is bubbling/boiling over? If you feel like there is a restriction in circulation, you can try flushing the cooling system to remove any grime/debris that is possibly impeding flow. If the problem persists, we’d recommend bringing the vehicle to your mechanic for diagnosis.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hello,
I have a 2014 Chrysler 200. 3 months ago the my car dashboard popped up with engine temperature sensor and it gave me two check engine light codes p0117 and I don’t remember the other code. I’ve took it to the Chrysler dealer and they replaced the thermostat, waterpump, some hoses and they have replaced the spark plugs. But, even after the repair I have a coolant loss in my car but the coolant loss is very slow(like it is taking 30-45 days to after coolant is filled) and now after 2 months I got a check engine light and my temperature gauge is showing the temperature high and temperature sensor is popping up after 1 mile of driving. Ive checked with OBD scanner and the code is P0117 which is one of the code Ive got repaired by dealers 3 months ago and then I suspected that it is a head gasket leak. But, the oil looks good and there is no clear white smoke coming out from the exhaust when I tried to observe. Then, I decided to do a “Combustion Leak Test” but, in the test the liquid remained blue which indicates the head gasket is fine. Now, Im stuck here and Ive struggling to move further. Can you please help me with this by giving any syggestions, If you have any idea about this situation. This will help me a lot.
Thank you very much in advance
My Nissan versa kept overheating I didn’t pay attention to the temperature gauge because I never had a problem with it overheating. One day it over heated and it cut completely off and wouldn’t crank anymore. My car sat for a few days before the oil became milky. Could that be the head gasket??
Really need help. I miss my car.
Chyna-
Unfortunately, milky oil would be one of the tell-tale signs of a blown head gasket. Replacing the head gasket may be your best option.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2010 Dodge avenger, several weeks ago my car overheated. It was extremely low on coolant. I allowed the car to cool completely, refilled with coolant and drove home. I got home without it overheating again. I ended up finding a leak in my thermostat housing. So the entire housing was replaced, the sensor was also replaced. The car was refilled with coolant. It’s still continuing to reach “50%” on the temperature gauge pretty quickly after starting the car. The top radiator hoses are getting warm/hot, the heater is getting warm. But the lower radiator hose is staying cold. And the entire radiator is cold even after driving. There is a slight smell of exhaust in the coolant reservoir. But no other signs of a possible blown head gasket. Any ideas?
Rachel-
Thank you for asking about your Dodge Avenger. Based on your description, it would be best to have a block-dye test performed to confirm if combustion/exhaust gases are blowing into the cooling system. If the test shows that these carbon gases are present, it’s possible the head gasket leak is in the beginning stages of the leak, so you’re not seeing the tell-tale signs yet. Another possibility based on the symptoms described could be that there is an air pocket trapped in the system. Hope this helps.
Thank you!
-BDP