Well I'm pretty much at my wits end with this car and I'm debating what to do next and would like some peoples opinion. I have the 2005 limited, I'm purchasing a head gasket leak down detector test but I'm %95 percent sure it's blown, just replaced my radiator, after my last one exploded. Refilled with new fluid and drove the car for about a day or two. Low coolant light came on, checked the res its low, light milky substance on the cap at 60k miles getting ready to inspect the oil. I'm sick to my stomach... So what are my options, new head gasket but from my understanding if the damage is to extensive I'm better off getting a used complete motor?

 

Update I checked the oil, it looks normal I'm assuming the coolant hasn't mixed and I'm having compression loss in my coolant system as when I turn the car on and let it run for a couple minutes I remove my radiator cap and hear a hiss like built up pressure. As long as I've had the car, the motors only overheated twice for a second when I threw a belt and I instantly pulled over same when I blew a radiator hose. What direction should I go now, does anyone suspect other motor internals are damaged is there anything I should look out for? At this point I'm debating weather to attempt to install a new gasket, or swap a used motor. As far as a motor swap will anything electronic have to change or be programmed?

 

How hot did it get and how far have you driven it since the radiator blew?

 

I've never let it overheat and continued to drive it, I've always immediately pulled over the second something went wrong and had it towed. The last time the radiator blew I was idling in a parking lot and instantly shut the car off, it was maybe a line over normal when it blew. The other time was more severe as I was driving up the road and slipped a belt but as well pulled over the second it happened and instantly shut things off. It was maybe 2 lines over normal I've never let it go to red or tried to drive it after. Ive probably driven it about 50-80 miles since the radiator blew and I replaced it. Res is about half way empty the car didn't over heat while I was driving it and was running normal its just losing coolant and there is no external leaks.

 

Are you seeing any white smoke coming from the exhaust?
Does the exhaust have an anti-freeze smell to it?
Look for weeping below the water pump, split hoses, cracked bottom of the reservoir tank, bad seal on the cap, leaking drain valve at the bottom of the radiator, etc...

 

So I've tried to inspect everything related to the cooling system and found nothing I'm going to try to go over everything again tomorrow to be sure. My driveway just got seal coated and I parked the car on a piece of cardboard tonight. Upon letting the car warm up there does seem to be a bit of white smoke I'm over in PA and its starting to get chilly over here I'm assuming that's normal but there does seems to be a strange smell can't tell if its antifreeze or not, the white clouds disappear upon warmup. I also topped the res off just to be sure when I installed the radiator there wasn't some kind of air bubble. The coolent looks a bit dirty it was yellow now it's a bit darker but I did install a used radiator without flushing so it's hard to tell. As far as my water pump something does not sound to healthy idk if its the bearings but it does not sound great. I can't remember if it was ever replaced.

 

Hi Mike,
As far as damage to your motor, it's probably very low risk since you've shut the motor off each time it's looked like you were about to overheat. It could be a small leak, and that's why you're not seeing a lot of smoke. I've never replaced the head gasket on a crossfire, but I've replaced the head gaskets on 4 different chevy 3.4l V6 engines, and all of them have gone into the red, or had clear overheating signs (water gushing out of the coolant reservoir) before I replaced the head gasket. After the head gasket replacement, (and valve job since I had the heads off) at least two of them lasted another 100k miles, and the other two are still on the road. One of them I had a hard time diagnosing since the previous owner had used a boat load of head sealant before he sold it to me - eventually (couple of months) that wore out, and the car started to overhead randomly. Ended up replacing water pump and radiator before just biting the bullet and replacing the head gaskets. I don't think the crossfire head gaskets will be that hard to replace since you have access to everything.
Good Luck,
sincerely
Jerry

 

I appreciate the reply! Is there any information related to this repair, I've tried to search around and can't find much about it. Im half way mechanically inclined but I've never done something this in depth kind of nervous and excited at the same time lol is this motor the M112 Mercedes?

 

I think I saw a youtube video on replacing the head gaskets on either a crossfire or slk320. I'm not sure about the engine type. The exhaust is usually the hardest part of the job - those bolts are usually rusted on tight, so take your time and soak them with lots of penetrant oils.
-Jerry

PS. Take plenty of pictures as you go, and number the coils with the cylinder numbers.

 

Yes it is the M112 engine.
I would bet on the water pump. It's probably failing.
Try this: With the engine off, loosen the tension on the drive belt. Grab the water pump pulley and pull up and down on it. If it moves, clunks, or leaks it's finished and should be replaced.
Just my opinion, but I'd rather replace a water pump and see if that solves the problem than tear the heads off.
Also, since you have to drain the fluid anyway, flush all of the fluid in the block and radiator, then replace with new. If possible, pressure test the radiator.
There are videos on how to flush the radiator and posts on here about it as well.
Good luck!

 

It is normal for coolant level to go down after refilling the system. I always have to top it off after flushing and then driving it for a short trip. Many areas for air to hold itself in until the system comes back up to hot and pressurized as well as driving. You must also turn the heater on and let that run for about four minutes to get that coolant circulating and clearing through the system.

Taking the cap off the reservoir after the car has warmed some will immediately depressurize the entire system; You shouldn't be hearing a hissing sound for any length of time. If you do something is plugged or sucking air trying to normalize to the atmosphere. Find the hiss and you will find one problem.

The plastic side tanks of the radiator is often the first place a radiator will start to leak. i tried to make a repair to just such a leak a long while back and it didn't work.
Buying a used radiator is asking for trouble

Have you checked the transmission fluid level? It too flows through the radiator.

Are you using distilled water and GO5 anti freeze 50/50 mix?

Most definitely remove the serpentine belt and check all the bearings for wear and the water pump particularly. Be advised the water pump has multiply mounting screw lengths; Pay close attention when removing and installing.

Does the thermostat appear to work correctly. If it is original you should replace it.

Are you using a chemical testing kit to test for blown head gasket? Good luck with the test! It is the best way to go.