Coolant around upper plenum

Hello,

If the coolant isn't getting in the spark plug holes, or messing with any sensors or such, I guess it would be okay to drive like that as long as you kept I real good eye on your coolant level and Kept it filled up. Eventually the gasket will degrade enough that it will require replacement. In the diagrams below I have included step by step directions on how to replace it yourself if you wanted to. I also have sent along parts price and labor estimate for you if you decide to shop around to have a shop replace it for you. Either way, please get back to us with what's going on.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

What do you think of trying bars? i bought the one with liquid copper. worth a try. i only drive to the store and doctor.

Hello again,

My personal opinion about that stuff is I don't like it. The reason I don't like it, though, is because I would rather fix things they way they were when before they failed. That's just me though. Bars might work, might not. If you were going to go that route, might I suggest a product that's a little more expensive, but has a lot better track record. It's called Blue Devil. You might want to check it out at your local part's house.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

Can i use blue devil after the bars? I've used the bars. maybe I'll wait for a bit. if it doesn't work, then blue devil. i understand completely about fixing instead of additives and i figured I'd hear that. but i can't afford to do it. it's that simple. i can't do the things i used to be able to do or maybe i'd try fixing myself.

i checked my oil and i have creamy whitish slug in the cap.

Hello,

That usually is a sign of a blown head gasket, although some cars will allow coolant to get mixed with oil via the ports in an intake manifold. If you are not going to change the gasket I would recommend putting in Blue Devil. If you do, please follow the instructions to a "T". I've heard of and seen the stuff really work, and for a long time as well. Get back to us and let us know what's going on.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

There was no water on the dipstick or white slug. i read that short trips can cause some moisture and a bit of that slug on the cap. before the blue devil was recommended i used bars.. I'll drive it for a few days and see what happens. thanks, Don

After using bars copper last night. (i followed the directions to the letter) and it seemed to help. i took it out on the highway today to get it nice and hot. i looked in the area it was leaking and it was dry when i got home. FYI, i had sludge in the oil cap but not the dipstick. no water today. i don't think it is the head but a slow pinhole in the upper gasket. this car sat for a year or two before i got it. i wonder if the gasket had shrunk. i dunno we'll see how long this lasts.