My 04 has been diagnosed by dealer with antifreeze leak in combustion chambers and requiring rebuilt engine. Does anyone know of any Cool System gaskets 　or components that have a history of leaking into the combustion area? 　Any history of cool system leaks only at a specific engine temperature (cold, warming up, normal hot or over heating)? 　Any one ever tried to do a engine leak-down test with a piston engine tester?　
Thx, StuMMOSS

 

It only takes one good overheating to fry the factory coolant seals and possibly do even more damage. There are a few ways to diagnose this. Coolant system pressure test, send an oil sample out for testing, compression test (using a rotary engine compression tester if you want accurate readings), etc.

 

Coolant seal failure is, in my opinion, the number one killer of our engines. Doesn't take much to do it, and you can lose a coolant seal before the temperature gauge even starts moving.

 

Yeah I was reading the FSM the other day and was astonished that 230F is the high end of the normal range.

 

Thx, 9kRPMRX8 and RWWP for input. Tested the radiator pressure, cold, as battery needed a charge and couldn't start it. It was 15 psi for about 1/2 hr. I'll do the oil test. Situation is that this came about at 99 mos., 99,000 mi., so it's 3 mos. > warranty; too bad I didn't drive it a little harder 4 mos. prior to that
Orig. dealer got in argument with me over warranty, stating that it was 60 mos.; took it to an equidistant one who was pretty good and new it was 96. Said it needs to be rebuilt; $3k for engine w/ 12 mo. warranty and about $1k labor. I'm trying to see if there's possibility it could be something other; also, needs new CAT, so I need to get recommendation for after market, that will pass state of MA. inspection. I saw thread for rebuilds; is there anyone in the N.E. region zip=02138 who does rebuilds? Approx pricing for '04?