Any mechanics out there?

[dpk2313]

I have a 1994 GMC Suburban, K1500, 4-wheel drive, 5.7L EFI 350 engine, 199,000-something miles
In the past few months the truck has had fluctuating temperature gauge, I have put in it a Brand New: Radiator, Water Pump, Thermostat. After all that was changed, it ran fine for awhile, then started to fluctuate again, and just recently it overheated and shut down. Only thing it could really be I think, is the head gasket? While I think the engine may be fine with a new head gasket. Is this true or the most probable problem? if not please tell me whatelse could be causing this. And if this is the problem how much will it cost to fix?

thanks in advance

 

[FishNCash]

Check all the radiator hoses. Make sure you do not see a kink in the hose or a leak. Check your coolant level. It's also a good idea to replace the radiator cap with one from the dealer. A bad radiator cap can also cause the temp to go nuts. You pretty much want to check the easy stuff first before confirming it's a head gasket. If all else fail, you can take your car in for a head gasket block test. When headgasket is blown you get your oil mixed into the coolant making your coolant looked milky. If it's a minor headgasket leak then you might not see this. If you have a head gasket problem then labor alone will cost you $500-$800 to repair. Parts will anywhere from $400-$800 depending what you want to replace along the way.

 

[convict94]

how does the gauge fluctuate? when, how consistent/often?

 

[dpk2313]

Check all the radiator hoses. Make sure you do not see a kink in the hose or a leak. Check your coolant level. It's also a good idea to replace the radiator cap with one from the dealer. A bad radiator cap can also cause the temp to go nuts. You pretty much want to check the easy stuff first before confirming it's a head gasket. If all else fail, you can take your car in for a head gasket block test. When headgasket is blown you get your oil mixed into the coolant making your coolant looked milky. If it's a minor headgasket leak then you might not see this. If you have a head gasket problem then labor alone will cost you $500-$800 to repair. Parts will anywhere from $400-$800 depending what you want to replace along the way.

I replaced the radiator so it no longer has a factory cap I believe it is on tight but will check when I get a chance
How much will it be to test the head gasket?

how does the gauge fluctuate? when, how consistent/often?

it is constantly moving but not enough to instantly notice it sort of wanders

 

[FishNCash]

I replaced the radiator so it no longer has a factory cap I believe it is on tight but will check when I get a chance
How much will it be to test the head gasket?

I don't know how much they charge for a head gasket block test. I'm not a professional mechanical but I went through two motors build and a tranny swap to have a good enough understanding on how motor works. Check your coolant level first thing in the morning to see if it's full. NEVER OPEN WHEN IT'S HOT or YOU'LL BURN YOURSELF!!!! Check all your hoses to make sure there is no leak or kink. I would replace that radiator cap if I were you. A car overheat is an indication your coolant system is not working right. Another symption is a bad fan clutch which doesn't suck enough air through your radiator to cool down the motor.

 

[dpk2313]

Ill check them out Im not currently driving this truck tho I would like to be so the radiator wont be hot don't have to worry about scolding steam pouring out and horribly disfiguring me haha

btw are there any trustworthy chain shops around

 

[FishNCash]

Ill check them out Im not currently driving this truck tho I would like to be so the radiator wont be hot don't have to worry about scolding steam pouring out and horribly disfiguring me haha

btw are there any trustworthy chain shops around

I just noted that in red because I have heard stories from my friends doing that. A bum from the street told my friend not to do that. how ironic is that? There are no chain store that I know of. They're all crooked because mechanics have the mentality that it's not their car. My advice is take a beginning mechanic shop class and build your connection that way.

 

[convict94]

yea to a certain extent...chain shops just want to make money, if you went in for an oil change they would tell you "oh your hub bearings grinding, didnt you hear it?" "no" and then they try to sell the crap out of you...go to the small business owner they're much more reliable and trustworthy

 

[dpk2313]

thats what I figured sucks its like that tho

 

[rmorse]

Do a compression test. If you have lost compression, then it is a sign of a blown head gasket.


Unfortunately, there are so many different symptoms of a blown head gasket that it is hard to determine if it is a head gasket or not.


Check the coolant level, check the color of the oil, check the spark plugs (if there is green buildup on it), and perform a compression test to start.


If the oil is off-color, do an oil change ASAP.