Car problems

[Fredkrueger100]

Head gasket?

Lord I hope not. I’m screwed if it’s that. I barely make it as it is. I don’t have the money to fix something like that. Unless I could do it myself.

 

[Mr.Glock]

I’d say a 08 Buick Enclave with 212k miles on it, doesn’t owe you a dime! Good shop or Raiator Shop can test your coolant for you for carbons . You can look at the bottom of your oil filler cap for milkyness. Also is there oily substance in the reservoir? You find any of that it will tell you where the gasket is leaking.

 

[Ready_fire_aim]

Lord I hope not. I’m screwed if it’s that. I barely make it as it is. I don’t have the money to fix something like that. Unless I could do it myself.

If it’s the head gasket, just swap in a salvage engine. Can DIY it with a harbor freight engine hoist and basic mechanic tools. It’s a PITA, but doable for well under $1,000 if ya DIY

 

[Fredkrueger100]

I’d say a 08 Buick Enclave with 212k miles on it, doesn’t owe you a dime! Good shop or Raiator Shop can test your coolant for you for carbons . You can look at the bottom of your oil filler cap for milkyness. Also is there oily substance in the reservoir? You find any of that it will tell you where the gasket is leaking.

There used to be some yellow milky substance on the oil cap but it hasn’t been that way in over a year. I haven’t noticed anything in the reservoir.

 

[Mr.Glock]

There used to be some yellow milky substance on the oil cap but it hasn’t been that way in over a year. I haven’t noticed anything in the reservoir.

That is half solved then. Now test your coolant for carbon.

 

[cowadle]

i bet the fan clutch it getting soft. go to the carwash and clean out the radiator and condenser coil. i don't think your engine is really running that much out of spec.

 

[Fredkrueger100]

That is half solved then. Now test your coolant for carbon.

What do you mean half solved?

 

[cowadle]

i looked up the spec on your car. 210 F is the spec thermostat opening. they used this for emissions purposes so it is possible you can install a 190 if you wish.

 

[cowadle]

fix the cheap stuff first. wash out the radiator and see if that helps. if it does suspect the fan clutch and replace the thermostat.

 

[sklfco]

How much road debris/dead bugs/birds/crossing guards are stuck in the front of the a/c condenser?
Might be as simple as washing out the cores with a garden hose in your driveway, it’s cheap to try.

As for testing for carbon in the cooling system, this also can be done at home.
I have used this kit to find exhaust gasses in cooling systems for years.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_7001006