bubbles in cooling and heating system

1997 FORD F-150
293,000 MILES • 4.6L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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FOXPOM
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I was told by auto repair shop I have bubbles in the cooling and heating. as the heat turned to cold air and the temperature gauge quickly went to hot. then just as quickly dropped to normal when I turned the heat off. They did a test, I have read about and smelled odors that could be antifreeze burning and a high pitched whistling sound when I turned the engine off that could be air from the heads? Both of those one or two times. I do not see a milky gunk on the oil knob and the oil and dipstick look okay, but could have antifreeze in it but it feels and looks okay. Can additives help out if I have a blown head gasket or is it too late? It has 293,000 miles. Thank you in advance.
Feb 24, 2018 at 10:39 PM
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MHPAUTOS
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A trusted work shop can do a head check, this is a simple chemical test to check for exhaust gasses in the cooling system. it is a very quick test, and if it is positive you will have a head or gasket problem, get the test done first. Additives will not help at all, if there is a problem it will have to be fixed correctly.
Feb 25, 2018 at 2:04 AM
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FOXPOM
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Okay thank you. I was looking at different brand names of fix it additives at the auto store and thought it sounded bogus. The shop did a test and confirmed it needs a head job but then I was told by a pro on this site that I need to think about the bushings and such going bad later because the oil has been compromised. I was just hoping maybe a additive could prolong the life of the engine a little longer. Thanks for the help!
Feb 25, 2018 at 5:17 AM
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MHPAUTOS
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ok, re post if you require any additional assistance.
Feb 27, 2018 at 2:30 AM