1996 VW Passat--Head Gasket issues

1996 VOLKSWAGEN
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FOODSELLER
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I have a 1996 VW Passat GLS(gas, 4 cyl. 2.0, 72K miles, auto trans) that just had the head gasket replaced. It seemed to hold just fine, however after about 30 minutes of running (idle) it started to show signs of combustion gasses in the coolant.(did a coolant gas test) We then put the "magical" water glass in it and retested after following the directions. NO GASES in the coolant!!
However, it still seems to have a lot of white smoke coming out of the tail pipe. Could that be due to the catalytic converter being full of coolant residue? Also the top radiator hose gets warm, but the bottom one stays pretty cool, not even warm. Circulation problem? The car was ran for quite a while I think after the gasket blew. (auction car--so am not real sure) My mechanic is not real sure of the problem. So thought I would ask here. Thank you for the help!!!
Nov 20, 2007 at 7:06 PM
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2CARPRO JACK
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Does it overheat? Yes, it sounds like the cat is full of coolant, drive it a little hard and it will burn/blow it out of there
Nov 21, 2007 at 11:24 AM
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2carpro Jack,
No it is not over heating at all. Holds steady at 190 degrees. I will try running it hard for a while and see what happens. Whats your take on the cool lower raidator hose?
Nov 21, 2007 at 1:36 PM
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2CARPRO JACK
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Sounds like the radiator is doing its job. One hose has to be cooler than the other or the heat isnt being dissipated.
Nov 23, 2007 at 7:28 AM
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Great! I was hoping that was what was going on!
I tried to give you rep points---but I only have .1 so couldn't give you any!! Would give you lots if I could! I appreciate your help.
Nov 23, 2007 at 11:12 AM
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2CARPRO JACK
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You are welcome
Nov 24, 2007 at 6:52 AM