bad head gasket

[Ed Fenwick]

Aloha,

My 92 4.9 has bad head gaskets, I don't have $2000.00 to replace them. I am wondering though, what is happening to the coolant. Is the exaust making it too acidic and is eating the inside of the engine? How long do you guys think that the coolant will be ok before I replace it again?

Tks Ed

[MAC]

It depends on who you talk to. Some change once a year, while others follow the generally accepted recommendation to change every 2 years. I change mine every two years.

Peak Antifreeze recommendation:

http://www.peakantifreeze.com/whychange.html

Discount Radiators Web site:

http://www.outlawradiator.com/index.php?pr...&prkey=radiator

I have ever purchased from Outlaw but they have good prices.

AMSOIL 250,000 Mile Antifreeze:

http://www.go-synthetic.com/amsoil_antifre...antifreeze.html

Any comments?

Study: Why Do Good Radiators Go Bad Quickly?

Premature failure of new aluminum radiators:

http://www.imcool.com/articles/antifreeze-...odradsgobad.htm

[KHE]

Aloha,

My 92 4.9 has bad head gaskets, I don't have $2000.00 to replace them. I am wondering though, what is happening to the coolant. Is the exaust making it too acidic and is eating the inside of the engine? How long do you guys think that the coolant will be ok before I replace it again?

Tks Ed

I haven't heard of many 4.9s with headgasket leaks. The shop confirmed exhaust gases in the coolant? What does the oil look like on the dipstick?

I would be more concerned about hydrostatically locking the engine or coolint contaminating the oil.

[Ed Fenwick]

Aloha,

Yes the shop confirmed exaust in the coolant. and coolant out the exaust pipe also. Tha engine loses coolant when the temp goes over 215-220 f. Otherwise it is ok. The oil looks fine but the coolant looks milky!

I was worried that the exaust gasses in the coolant would pit the water jacket.

Tks Ed