Headgasket poll

[Huskymaniac]

Because Nate loves these polls.....

Just kidding Nate. As with tranny failures, we have had some new overheating threads lately and I was wondering about correlation factors. Unlike the tranny thread, I won't put model year as a factor as most people seem convinced age is a factor so we will just assume that as being true. Plus, we are talking cars that range in age from 14-19 years old. They are all old and the difference of one more year may not be significant compared to the combination of age and mileage. They are all old.

So I will keep it simple at 3 factors. First is whether or not you have had to replace the headgasket. Second, did you have an independent cooling system issue, which caused an overheating condition, before or at the same time as any headgasket failure? This would include things like failed water pump, failed thermostat, failed radiator cap, leaking radiator or leaking hoses or other parts of the cooling system. Third, did the car see any stress factors? This would include an engine modified for high HP while retaining the original gaskets, an engine or cooling system which was neglected of normal fluid changes (oil and/or coolant) or a car which was regularly driven hard.

The thoughts behind the factors are that a few factors are known to cause mechanical failures in most things. One is high temperature for extended periods. Another is several large temperature cycles. Lastly, and probably not a factor here is high temperature along with high humidity.

[NikFu S.]

Despite everything my car has been through the headgaskets do not show any sign of trouble.

"Everything" being overheating a few times, racing, hard driving (+7000rpm), extreme temperatures, coolant system pressure issues, and PCV system constantly on teh fritz, and for the last year 80 mile a day in-city driving all on a fuel grade lower than recommended.

[92 SVX]

Mine is still drivable though I believe the head gasket is allowing exhaust into the cooling system which under extended driving will cause overheating.
it started as simple cooling system failure which led to overheating, Head gaskets were fine.
however this happened multiple times didnt find the original problem until too late, I believe the cap was worn out I replaced the cap but by that time the exhaust was leaking into the coolant.

[Green1995SVX]

92 SVX. Original water pump. Original Radiator. Original Head Gaskets. Still working.

[dcarrb]

All good here as regards head gaskets and overheating. Stock everything. The teal had a cracked radiator and was full of stop-leak gunk when I bought it; no idea if the previous owner ran it hot.

dcb

[Huskymaniac]

Just a note, please enter a vote for each of your cars that fit into one of the poll options.

[Huskymaniac]

Actually, it just occured to me that people can't vote multiple times for multiple cars that fit into a single category. Is anyone in this situation? I could re-do the poll with options for multiple cars that fit into a single option.

[Crazy_pilot]

Replaced head gaskets as preventative and because I felt like it, no problems before. 2000 miles after change engine spun a bearing.

[Huskymaniac]

Originally Posted by Crazy_pilot

Replaced head gaskets as preventative and because I felt like it, no problems before. 2000 miles after change engine spun a bearing.

Do you think they are related in any way?

Just curious, what engine oil and filter do you use and do you drive it in the winter?