1998 Chevy Blazer Brown Gunk in radiator and overheating

1998 CHEVROLET BLAZER

TTURNER0209

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Engine Cooling problem
1998 Chevy Blazer 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic
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I had a problem with my blazer starting to overheat, then we noticed brown gunk in the radiator and overflow. I took it to a mechanic and he said it had a radiator problem and now needs the head gasket replaced. He wanted 1700.00 to fix. I read another note on this site with a similar problem and it said that flushing the system may fix it. How would I know if the head gasket is blown? What can I check? Would this have happened? Another mechanic said it was very hard to blow the gasket in this engine type, so I dont know who to believe. Please advise !!

Aug 19, 2008 at 4:44 PM

RASMATAZ

CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
75,992 POSTS

Try flushing real good with the best radiator flush-

How would I know if the head gasket is blown? Get a block test-if combustion gases present in the cooling system then its blown other way pressure test the system-

Aug 19, 2008 at 4:53 PM

SERVICE WRITER

CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
9,123 POSTS

The brown gunk is the Dex-cool antifreeze. IT usually only resides around the neck and in the reservior.

Dex-cool has has some issues:
www.dexcoolsettlements.com

The head gasket can be checked by several methods. There is dye that can be added to the coolant that will expose exhaust gases.
The engine can be warmed and the plugs removed. PRessure is then put on the cooling system for a bit. The engine is turn over and coolant can shoot out the cylinders.

Compression testing can reveal a possible head problem as well.

Aug 19, 2008 at 4:53 PM

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