[MR2] A high speed cooling problem

[DAVIES, BARRY S (BARRY)]

I've experienced three blown MK1 headgaskets and the symptoms have all been the same. Car ran fine then suddenly the temperature would spike all the way to the top. Up to that point, the temp gauge would be right on normal. I would then check the coolant and find the recovery bottle overflowing. 
First time this happened, a local mechanic did a check for exhaust gas in the coolant, and the test was negative, and he assured me it was not a head gasket. The problem only went away when I eventually changed the CHG, after changing every component of the cooling system.

I doubt that a small rise like you are observing is likely to be the CHG. I think it is more likely a bubble in the coolant, as someone else suggested.
I live in Arizona, and the temps remain rock steady on high freeway, or local traffic driving, even in the height of summer.

To be honest, I am amazed at how well the MK1 cooling system works. 

(Full disclaimer, my AC system is winding the windows down!)
Good luck
Barry



-----Original Message-----
From: mr2-bounces at mr2.com [mailto:mr2-bounces at mr2.com] On Behalf Of felix at crowfix.com
Sent: Friday, September 11, 2009 12:55 PM
To: mr2 at mr2.com
Subject: Re: [MR2] A high speed cooling problem

On Fri, Sep 11, 2009 at 03:12:06PM -0400, Bob Schultz wrote:
> If he used an OEM thermostat go get yourself a block test or have 
> someone with a 4 gas analyzer check for hydro carbons in the overflow.
> It wouldn't surprise me if you have a failing head gasket.

I thought a blown head gasket would foam the oil.  Am I missing the difference between blown and failing?

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