Questions and Answers

Toyota Bites The Dust Q. Basically 1983 Toyota Corolla, 4 cylinder inline, gas, standard transmission, approximately 250,000 miles. Husband was driving temperature gauge went to hot. As he was pulling in to parking lot car was still running until he pushed in clutch to gear down. Car immediately dies.

Radiator was completely empty (fluids were checked before leaving) there was no noticeable leaks hoses, water pump ect. Motor was very hot. He continued to cool down motor with a water hose. I noticed that the water in the radiator was very slowly draining still no obvious water leaks. Next day towed car home I opened radiator cap and noticed air bubbles and small amount of water coming from the thermostat housing.

Changed out thermostat and gasket added fluids and also replaced top and bottom hoses, also replaced coolant bypass gasket and o-ring. Ok here's the problem the car still won't start. Motor turns no grinding or other nasty noises. It kind of sounds like a lack of fire but checked plugs and wires for wetness okay. Reading though the Haynes repair manual doesn't help me pinpoint anything specific that it could be. Timing belt, radiator, water pump all seem to be fine.

This may be simple to some but I just can't put my finger on it with out tearing everything apart. My last guesses would be heater core, a sensor, freeze plug ect. If you have any helpful ways on this matter? I really would appreciate it.

Thanks very much,
Mellanie

A. Well Mellanie, I'm willing to bet you 37 cents that the head gasket blew on the car. That would explain the coolant loss and why it will not start. You would have to do a compression test to confirm this, but I'll bet you that's what it is.

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