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1998 Isuzu Rodeo

Question: blown head gasket or cracked block from overheating.

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swopesuds, 2.2L 4 Cylinder, Chino Valley, AZ, October 24, 2010, 16:23
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My isuzu rodeo has an overheating problem. Last feb. replace thermostat twice, water pump is fine. ran great until last weekend,overheated again. replace thermostat again, flushed radiator. drilled a small hole in thermostat. ran great for a week then overheated again the other nite. now I may have a blown head gasket or a cracked block.

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  • Answer #1

    patrick mannion from Greg Solow's Engine Room, October 24, 2010, 17:54
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    I've seen them blow a lot of head gaskets. The most accurate way to test for a blown head gasket on a gasoline engine is to test for the presence of carbon monoxide in the cooling system. Snap-On, Matco (part # CO 2000), and Napa sell a tool to check to carry out this test. Another link to a supplier of this tool is http://www.etoolcart.com/combustion-leak-detector-lis7550.... Carbon Monoxide is only present if there is a blown head gasket or cracked cylinder head. http://www.arrowheadradiator.com/head_gasket_or_combustio... I think the napa part number 700-1006. http://www.blockchek.com/instructions.htm . Signs of a blown head gasket are coolant loss (frequently have to top up the coolant level of the engine without seeing an obvious leak), experiencing over heating or rough engine running or the presence of white sweet smelling steam from the exhaust. A badly blown head gasket may allow engine coolant and oil to mix.

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    Visitor, October 24, 2010, 18:39

    Thank you for your response I do have the white steam and water coming from the exhaust. do you think this could maybe also be a cracked cylinder besides a blown head gasket? You said you've seen them , meaning the izuzu rodeo? Is this a common problem?

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