1991 Toyota Corolla Radiator overheating

Tiny
TOYOTA495
  • MEMBER
  • 1991 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
Hi, I'm hoping someone can help me with this problem. F-9ik7or the past few days I've been having problems with a coolant leak and radiator overheating. I would fill the refill container and within an hour of driving, it would be low again. I located a leaking hose connected to the thermostat outlet and adjusted the clamp, which stopped that leak. I also changed the thermostat and flushed the radiator. It was fine for the past two days and now I have a bigger leak. The antifreeze in the refill container has been bubbling hot and as soon as I shut off the engine, I took a look under the hood and the coolant was over flowing from the spout of the cap. When I removed the cap and hose from the refill container, I could hear the hot steam air pumping through the hose. What could be the problem?
Tuesday, July 14th, 2009 AT 1:21 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
HI there,

Thank you for the donation,

This is sounding like a head gasket problem, you can get a head check done that will detect Co2 in the cooling system gasses, this is a sure sign that you will have a head problem, get this test done first.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Tuesday, July 14th, 2009 AT 7:04 PM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
As Mark said, either the head gasket or the head is cracked.

A compression test will also indicate a problem.

You most likely will have to replace the head.
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Wednesday, July 15th, 2009 AT 9:13 AM
Tiny
TOYOTA495
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks Mark, I think you're right. I just mentioned my engine overheating to a mechanic and right off he knew that it was a head gasket problem. I will surely most definitely get that checked out by having that Co2 test done.
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Thursday, July 16th, 2009 AT 1:43 AM
Tiny
TOYOTA495
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Well, three people can't be wrong, so I will have the head gasket checked out. Thanks for your response, it was helpful. : )
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Thursday, July 16th, 2009 AT 1:48 AM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
Good luck, If the head is bad, there are many sources that can supply you with a quality replacement.

I just replaced a cracked head on a 91 about a month ago.
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Thursday, July 16th, 2009 AT 10:17 AM

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