Is my head gasket going?

[LiLGhettoSmurf]

Ok, so lately my radiator reservoir goes empty, it takes like 1 month - 1 1/2 months from a fill for it to go down and my coolant light comes on. I can smell coolant from the front of the car. I can't smell it when inside the car though, even with the heat on. Driving around right now with it being winter out the engine doesnt get very warm, but if sitting at idle it will go to the middle of "normal" on the temp gauge. When I start my car thought I never see any white smoke, and when I check my oil, I dont know really what to look for but it seems a normal color? I heard headgaskets arent a common problem for SHO's, but shit happens. I really hope it isnt the head gasket, I can't afford this now, I just bought all my school books and my car isurance payment is due next month. How much would a head gasket job run to get done at a shop? And any other questions or info you guys can enlighten me with.

 

[F-22 Raptor SHO]

Check your hoses, check your coolant jug for holes. Nothing? Check your oil cap for sludge and snot on the underside. I dont think your hg is "going" as usually you would have other problems other than 1 1/2 months of slow coolant loss.

Check the oil cooler line next to the oil filter. Mine had a pin hole leak in it.

 

[Jaz2099]

Sounds like what I went through for a while before I finally did my water pump. The coolant burns off the cats(that may be what you are smelling) when the water puimp is leaking check to see if there is moisture down there.

 

[revhardSHO]

Pressurize your cooling system and watch for leaks. HG failure is rare on these SHO engines. I would guess its your radiator or your water pump giving out.

 

[marbs]

SAME thing happened to me replaced water pump (Was a BIG problem no doubt that was it) but that only slowed mine down it is still doing it but MUCH slower now.

 

[93superSHO]

Check the radiator on both sides of the plastic jugs at the bottom of the car. This is a common problem with cold climate older vehicles where the plastic tanks will seperate from the aluminum core and then reseal when it warms up. Also, as suggested, check all the hoses and waterpump for leaks. Blown Hg's are rare in these cars.

 

[LiLGhettoSmurf]

You guys dont know how much a relief that is, ill get it checked out soon, Im not very car savy so im gunna have some one I know look at it.

 

[RAYJAY]

if your smelling coolant in side of car check the heater core also ( hope and pray it not that )

Jeff

 

[LiLGhettoSmurf]

no no, im not smelling anything inside the car, even with the heat on.

 

[HopefulSHO]

Don't forget to peek around and under the throttle body. There are three or so small, curvy hoses. Sometimes when these leak, it's hard to pinpoint.
Ditto for all the advice above.