: 97 overheating update/helms/questions  06-01-04, 06:43 PM
Thought I'd post and update and let you guys know what the
dealer found. Had it back to dealer last Friday, and they agreed
to pay for diagnostics since I only put 3300 miles on the 97 ETC
since last October. Anyhow, it took three hours!!!  Just a quick
rundown: the car only overheated after some hard running uphill,
or some long running up a slight grade. The mechanic did the
pressure test as everyone recommended, with everything checking
out OK. He also looked for exhaust gases in the coolant,
everything OK there. At that point, the service manager got me
involved directly with the mechanic, and I explained the
symptoms and exactly when they occurred. He ran the test a third
time (!), only he let the car get good and hot sitting there,
and I believe he blocked off the radiator too. Anyhow, he
finally got some exhaust gases in the coolant after the engine
got real warm. His diagnosis: the head gaskets are going, but
not shot yet.  The cost of repair