Eagle Vision losing its cool.

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by Zentraleinheit, Sep 20, 2007.

  1. I have a 96 Eagle Vision TSI with about 82000 miles that seems to look it
    coolant every 3 or so months.

    For example, 2 days ago, as I exited the Vision, I heard a (for lack of a
    better term) "pissing" sound. That is when I discovered coolant exiting (at
    high speed) the overflow tube.

    I let the car cool down overnight before I open the radiator cap. That is
    when I discovered the overflow tank empty.

    I refilled the tank, as I have done before, and resume driving.

    What I want to know is what in the heck is really wrong with my car?

    I had it into service, and after $300 and two day, all that PepBoys can tell
    me that its not the thermostat nor the water pump. However, they suspect a
    crack in the engine.

    But, I thought that if coolant get into the engine, I would get white smoke
    out the tail pipe.

    I don't get any smoke out of the tail pipe, nor any other warning (except
    for a slow rise in the temperature gage just before the coolant drains) that
    anything is wrong.

    So, can PepBoys be correct about a crack engine? Is there a (very!) cheep
    method of pinpointing the problem? Or should I start saving my pennies for
    another car?
     
    Zentraleinheit, Sep 20, 2007
    #1
  2. Zentraleinheit

    Bob Shuman Guest

    You need to have the system pressure tested. Is it leaking from anywhere
    other than the overflow tank and if so, under what conditions?

    If no other leaks observed, then some possible causes:

    Radiator Cap
    Radiator blockage
    Stuck thermostat
    bad water pump
    defective coolant temperature sender
    inoperable cooling fan (several root causes)
    blocked heater core

    Others can add other thoughts, but a the age of the vehicle unless it was
    well maintained, I'd bet on the radiator flow being restricted. I am
    currently replacing my son's 1996 Eagle Vision 3.5L radiator since the tank
    had a small seam leak. We found a new one for $110 locally from a radiator
    shop and will put it in ourselves today. His cooling system worked like
    new, but had the radiator completely flushed and the antifreeze changed
    every two years. This time around I plan to use the G-05 Zerex since I've
    had good luck with it in my slightly newer 2.7L Intrepid.

    Bob
     
    Bob Shuman, Sep 20, 2007
    #2
  3. Zentraleinheit

    Steve Guest

    It could be something as simple as a radiator cap that doesn't quite
    hold as much pressure as it should. I would try that (at least) before
    assuming that there's an internal engine gas leak (neither Vision engine
    is prone to blowing head gaskets, cracking heads, etc.)
     
    Steve, Sep 20, 2007
    #3
  4. Thank you for the heads up on my coolent problem

    But now another problem has come up.

    My head gasket (front/driver side corner) is leaking.

    So, I have 2 questions.

    1: Is the coolent problem and the leaking head gasket an effect (or cause)
    of one on the other?

    2: How much (generally) does a head gasket replacement cost on a LH 3.5L
    engine?
     
    Zentraleinheit, Oct 2, 2007
    #4
  5. Thank you for the heads up on my coolent problem

    But now another problem has come up.

    My head gasket (front/driver side corner) is leaking.

    So, I have 2 questions.

    1: Is the coolent problem and the leaking head gasket an effect (or cause)
    of one on the other?

    2: How much (generally) does a head gasket replacement cost on a LH 3.5L
    engine?
     
    Zentraleinheit, Oct 2, 2007
    #5
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