scbmx87

My86 GTis losing an incredible amount of coolant. Its burning or losing about a gallon a day. There's no leaks or anything anywhere. I can smell antifreeze a little bit. At first I thought it was the heater core, but I didn't think that would make it lose about a gallon a day. I'm thinkin blown head gasket?? If it was the water pump it would be obvious, right? The floor on the passenger side doesn't seem to be wet or anything where the heater core would be above.

gizim_1132

Yea if it was that waterpump you would know and yea it's more than likely a head gasket sorry about the luck!!!!

AdderMk2

rent a pressure tester from your local part store, remove all 8 spark plugs, pressurize the cooling system and let it sit.

after about an hour, check the gauge. If it has not moved, your not leaking anything.

If it has moved, look for puddles. If non can be found, crank over the engine with all the spark plugs pulled out.... see which cylinder the water shoots out of!

All4n

This happened to me and it was a crack in my radiator, got a new radiator for $90 and was good to go!!!

cassidymustang

maybe check in your oil and see if its there?

7upedition

Change your oil and you'll know if it's a blown head gasket, or flush/fill radiator. Adder's suggestion is the best way to troubleshoot it, rather than spend money chasing the possibilities.

w8less

you probably have a crack in the radiator and its leaking as your driving around

scbmx87

How do I pressurize the cooling system? Also, what's it mean if water shoots out of a cylinder? Thanks guys.

Evil_F

Adders way will work well to test the head gasket. But easiest way to check if your pump is leaking [between the timing cover and block (seeing you are getting no puddles)] is to change the oil. You will have water in it. Plus, your headgasket could blow, but not leak into the cylinder. So, checking the oil is still needed really.

5pointslow91

Is white smoke or mistcoming out of your exhaust, if so its the head gasket