blown head gasket?

[texaninmass]

I have been having overheating problems. I had a cut in the top hose and have replaced it. if the temp. is above 75 degree's I have to run the heater to keep it from over heating. If it is below that I can drive it all day and the only problem I have, is that after I stop driving the overfill cap is leaking. Does anyone have any insight to this. I have a bad feeling that I have a head gasket problem.

Anthony

[Adam in NYC USA]

Inspect your themostat, it is probably in need of replacement.

Or you have a partial blockage in the radiator; when was the last time you did a cooling system flush?

Inspect the radiator fluid, is it murky or foamy? That would be a BAD sign.

Try this. Get some additional radiator hoses and a container that will sustain hot water. Remove and replace the top radiator hose with those two hoses and the container. Fill with water to complete the circuit and expect to get wet with warm/hot water(it is an science expierment so afterwards you can replace it with real rad fluid).

Turn on the ignition. Use the buddy system. Mount the hoses so you dont get water all over the place. If there is little or no movement of water, you either have a bad water pump or you have a severe blockage.

Then you look at your wallet or your Amex card and think of what needs to be done. Cry afterwards when you see the bill.

[texaninmass]

I have done none of what you listed....I will this week or weekend.
Couple of follow up questions...if there is blockage what is that usually from and what is the cure? I do know there is no foam and the color is good.

I love science experiments!

Anthony