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2004 Kia Sorento

Question: Over heating due to cracked reservoir.

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Visitor, 3.5L V6, Mesa, AZ, May 24, 2010, 20:31

My 2004, with 66,000 miles, had a cracked reservoir and became hot, now I can't get the vehicle started after replacing it. I am told that the heads may be warped and will have to be replaced since we can't get any water into the motor at this time. Could this be true? It has been a lemon from the start with over $4,000 in repairs up to this point and within the past 6 months.

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Answer #1

patrick mannion from Greg Solow's Engine Room, May 24, 2010, 23:25

Master

It is quite possible that the head gasket may have failed if the engine was run low in coolant. 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.
Kia as a car manufacturer put a lot of great technical information and work shop manuals on line for free for Kia owners. www.kiatechinfo.com

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