Bubbles in cooling and heating system

FOXPOM

MEMBER
1997 FORD F-150
4.6L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
293,000 MILES

I was told by auto repair shop I have bubbles in the cooling and heating. As the heat turned to cold air and the temperature gauge quickly went to hot. Then just as quickly dropped to normal when I turned the heat off. They did a test, I have read about and smelled odors that could be antifreeze burning and a high pitched whistling sound when I turned the engine off that could be air from the heads? Both of those one or two times. I do not see a milky gunk on the oil knob and the oil and dipstick look okay, but could have antifreeze in it but it feels and looks okay. Can additives help out if I have a blown head gasket or is it too late? It has 293,000 miles. Thank you in advance.

Saturday, February 24th, 2018 AT 10:39 PM

3 Replies

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

A trusted work shop can do a head check, this is a simple chemical test to check for exhaust gasses in the cooling system. It is a very quick test, and if it is positive you will have a head or gasket problem, get the test done first. Additives will not help at all, if there is a problem it will have to be fixed correctly.

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Sunday, February 25th, 2018 AT 2:04 AM

FOXPOM

MEMBER
11 POSTS

Okay thank you. I was looking at different brand names of fix it additives at the auto store and thought it sounded bogus. The shop did a test and confirmed it needs a head job but then I was told by a pro on this site that I need to think about the bushings and such going bad later because the oil has been compromised. I was just hoping maybe a additive could prolong the life of the engine a little longer. Thanks for the help!

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Sunday, February 25th, 2018 AT 5:17 AM

MHPAUTOS