I accidentally left my radiator cap off of my.

ANONYMOUS

MEMBER
2000 CHRYSLER SEBRING
230,000 MILES

I accidentally left my radiator cap off of my car and I noticed it smoking going down the road it had overheated and it shut off. I knew that my fluid was gone so I refilled it and tried to continue to work when I heard a pop. I looked under the car and my lower radiator hose had blown. Took it to the mechanic replaced it and drove maybe five miles before yet another loud pop. I opened the hood to find my upper hose had busted. My friend thinks I might have a blown headgasket. But I really hate to put more money into the car. I have had prob before I have replaced a starter. Alternator. Distributor. And a new brake system. Please help

Wednesday, October 17th, 2012 AT 6:38 AM

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
34,330 POSTS

At 12 years old the hoses could be rotten but the radiator cap is supposed to relieve anything over 15 pounds of pressure. Why did you originally remove the cap? Was there some other ongoing problem? Feel the upper hose right after starting the engine. If you feel a lot of pressure before the engine warms up, suspect a leaking head gasket. Your mechanic can do a simple test for that. It involves drawing air from the radiator through a glass cylinder with two chambers partially-filled with a special blue liquid. If combustion gases are present, the liquid will turn bright yellow.

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Wednesday, October 17th, 2012 AT 7:11 AM