Why is my car still running hot after replacing radiator?

Tiny
DUWHOP31
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 NISSAN ALTIMA
  • 2.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 118,000 MILES
I assumed I had a blown head gasket because my radiator had a leak, and my car ran hot. The next day I changed the oil and filter because it was like chocolate milk and bought a new radiator and Bars Head Seal (Blown Head Gasket Repair). Put that in and topped it with coolant, started the car and let it run with the heat on for 15-20 minutes (until the temperature gauge started rising) and the coolant reservoir was bubbling up and the brand-new oil is chocolate milk looking again. What else can I do to try and fix it?
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Monday, November 8th, 2021 AT 3:25 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

Overheated engine can warp the cylinder head which will leak coolant into the engine. When a head gasket fails the best repair is to replace the head gasket and possibly machine the cylinder head if needed.
Keep in mind that those chemical sealer works sometimes but not consider as a fool proof option.

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

Please let me know of any questions or concerns.
Thank you.
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Monday, November 8th, 2021 AT 4:24 PM
Tiny
DUWHOP31
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  • 151 POSTS
My car has been sitting for six weeks. I replaced the radiator, put on a new alternator and went to advance Auto Parts and got my battery charged up. This is the 3rd or 4th time I have I have drained and filled up the radiator with the Bars Leak Head Seal repair/coolant, then cranked my car and let it run for 15-20 minutes with the heat on high (until the temperature starts going up and coolant starts bubbling up out of the spout). Then I let it cool down for at least half a day only to have nothing come on in the car and it to be drained, having to jump it off. Why does this keep happening? There are no lights, radio or anything electrical being left on in my car.
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Wednesday, November 10th, 2021 AT 10:51 AM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Unless the blown head gasket is repaired the engine will keep overheating. As it appears that the Bars head seal is not able to fix the leak. As you know these leak sealers are not fool proof and only works sometimes.
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Wednesday, November 10th, 2021 AT 1:30 PM

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