1996 Corolla leaking radiator

koloughlin

While driving today I suddenly noticed a big drop off in power and a funny noise from the engine. I looked down and the engine temperature gauge was pegged to the top. I pulled over straight away and checked under the bonnet. The radiator was empty. I got a friend to bring some water and refilled the radiator so that I could get home, but while we were filling it we noticed a leak of water from the radiator. I think it probably needs to be replaced.

I just moved to Galway city a few months back and haven't got a mechanic here yet. Can anyone recommend a mechanic in the area? Also anyone got any idea how much it might cost? It's a 1996 Corolla and not worth much, so I'd like not to sink too much into it if possible. Thanks for your help!

crosstownk

Given you experienced a power loss it's possible that the head gasket has blown. It may not be the case but it is a distinct possibility.

In Galway, I use Windsor Nissan, but they may be a bit expensive for your 1996 Toyota. Galwaytt may be of better assistance. Await his response.

koloughlin

I suppose it's possible that the head gasket could be gone in addition to the leak that I could see in the radiator, but doesn't that seem a bit of a coincidence for both of them to go at the same time? I forgot to mention too that once I put water back into the system the car started to drive normally.

gyppo

Its quite possible that your radiator sprung a leak as a result of a defective head gasket. No coincidence at all, i'm afraid.
If your head gasket is on the way out, combustion gases will leak into the cooling system, pressurising all of the coolant waterways. Often you will see the coolant frothing in the header expansion tank. I would bet in your case that the radiator sprung a leak at its weakest spot due to the cooling system being pressurised.

/edit: just saw that the car behaved itself when the coolant was topped up - keep a very close eye on it for the next few days!

layke

Let your engine cool. Fill your rad with water but leave the cap off.

Put car in neutral and start your engine.

Then go round to the front and tug on the trottle cable (let the engine rev, but not too heavy). If you've blow the gasket then you will get a pressure buildup in the rad and the coolant will shoot out like a geyser. Your engine may also make a hissing noise while ticking over.

I did in my 1.6 civic a while back and I managed to get it done for €480 but I was told that was cheap. I can recommend a friend if your in Duiblin.

If it's just the Rad, order a spurious one from a motor factors and get it fitted.

koloughlin

You were totally right! Based on Layke's test the head gasket does appear to be blown. Anyone got any advice on what I should do at this point. The car's not worth much, and I'm guessing I'll have to drop somewhere from €500 to €1000 to get the head gasket done and a new radiator. Is it worth doing this on a 1996 corolla?

AlanAhern

Are you sure its the head?? I assume its the 1.3 corolla (4E-FE). i have only heard of one of these engines blowing a head and thats why the owner put on a turbo!!! These engines are very reliable. I am in Galway and can have a look at it if you like. Drop me a pm.

koloughlin

Just to close this one down, I got the radiator replaced on the car yesterday, and she's running like new. Doesn't look like there was any other damage done by the overheating. Quite a relief to me and my wallet