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Coolant flowed up from the radiator

Tiny
PORTGAS D ACE
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 NISSAN X-TRAIL
  • 13,000 MILES
Hello,

I have a question. When I starting the engine the coolant flowed up from the radiator. Does this mean that l have a problem in the engine and cylinders?
Thursday, February 13th, 2020 AT 2:01 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
Hi,

If it is shooting out of the radiator when you start it, there is a chance you have a bad head gasket. If compressed air is getting into the system, it can cause this.

Here is a link I need you to look through. It explains what to look for with a bad head gasket. Check it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

_________________________________

Let me know what you find and what size engine you have. If we determine it to be a head gasket, I can explain how to fix it.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, February 13th, 2020 AT 5:52 PM
Tiny
PORTGAS D ACE
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  • 26 POSTS
I replaced the gasket and I marked facing for cylinder head 1 month ago.
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Friday, February 14th, 2020 AT 12:05 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
Does the coolant shoot out of the radiator if the engine is cold, coolant full, and engine started?
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Friday, February 14th, 2020 AT 2:34 PM
Tiny
PORTGAS D ACE
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  • 26 POSTS
Yes, it shot out when the engine was cold.
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Saturday, February 15th, 2020 AT 11:30 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
You have a bad head gasket. Compressed air is getting into the cooling system and causing that to happen.

Just to confirm, go through the aforementioned link that explains how to check for a bad head gasket. Also, let me know what size engine is in the vehicle. This model isn't offered in the US, but I will try to get info for you.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Saturday, February 15th, 2020 AT 7:08 PM
Tiny
PORTGAS D ACE
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
The engine size is 2.5L. Can you explain what mechanical problem I have?
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Saturday, February 15th, 2020 AT 10:05 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
What can happen is the head gasket can be damaged and allowing compressed air to enter the cooling system. Are there air bubbles in the coolant when you turn the engine off?
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Sunday, February 16th, 2020 AT 4:45 PM
Tiny
PORTGAS D ACE
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
No there wasn't any air bubbles in the coolant when the engine turn off. But the coolant was rising up when the engine was working. Did you mean that the new head gasket is not suitable for the engine because I changed the head gasket 1 month ago?
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Tuesday, February 18th, 2020 AT 2:59 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
Hi,

The gasket should be fine, but there could be other issues which can still cause a leak such as a warped cylinder head, improper cylinder head torque and so on. It isn't uncommon for the coolant to move in the radiator. However, I thought you mentioned it sprayed out when cold. That is indicative to a leak between the cylinder head and the cooling system. However, if there are no air bubbles, chances are that isn't the issue.

When you have the system closed, are there any issues with overheating or leaks?

Joe
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Tuesday, February 18th, 2020 AT 7:46 PM
Tiny
PORTGAS D ACE
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  • 26 POSTS
No, I haven't issues with overheating but there is leaking of coolant under the engine but I think it's from freeze plug.
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Tuesday, February 18th, 2020 AT 9:20 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
That is a problem. Have you tried to pressure test the system? Here are directions for doing it. Also, you will need a pressure tester, but most parts stores will lend or rent one to you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

Do that and let me know where you find the leak.

Joe

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Wednesday, February 19th, 2020 AT 8:35 PM

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