Blown head gasket/ warped head?

[fknrdqs]

Hello guys,

 

I've put a lot into my 95 Pathfinder XE recently and I'm thinking it still has a blown head gasket and or warped head.

I'm looking for info to verify if it is just the gasket, if it has a warped head also, or even worse.

 

I recently had the front cv joints and starter replaced. I then replaced a busted window, door handle, and both front window motors myself. It then started overheating and making noises so I replaced the waterpump, timing belt, and thermostat myself.

 

It still overheats although it does not say it is getting hot. It did before.

As I replaced the above items I noticed there was a bit of oil behind the timing cover.

I have burped the cooling system and as it warms up it does start to get pressure and the overflow tank bubbles.

There is white smoke from the exhaust and moisture.

There still seems to be some oil leaking somewhere behind the timing cover.

 

it's at 200,000 and I don't want to toss much more money into it.

I don't know tons about cars but am kinda handy. I haven't been able to find much info on how to replace the head gasket/header and things to look for.

 

Any help is appreciated.

[Towncivilian]

Based on bubbles in the overflow tank and white smoke from the exhaust, you'd appear to have a head gasket problem for sure.

 

Inspect the radiator cap according to this TSB and replace with a new OEM one if necessary. I seriously doubt this will make a difference, but it doesn't hurt to rule it out.

 

Page EM-21 of the factory service manual tells you how to gain access to the cylinder head.

 

I don't have any other advice since I don't have any first-hand experience with your problem or gaining access to the head gasket, sorry.

 

Welcome to NPORA.

Edited November 15, 2012 by Towncivilian

[Kingman]

The oil behind the timing belt cover is the cam seals. It's best to replace those when you're doing the timing belt job. The head gasket issue - first off, make sure the condensation you are seeing isn't just build up in the exhaust from sitting. Does the exhaust smell like coolant?

 

At most auto parts stores they sell a kit that tests for exhaust gasses in the cooling system. The liquid starts off green then turns blue if there's a leak.

[Slartibartfast]

Also check your oil. If your head gasket is butchered, coolant will get into your oil and make it look like pudding. If it's not clear and brown, you've got leakage.

 

The FSM should walk you through head gasket replacement. Once you have the head out, you can check for warpage. Hopefully it's just the gasket.

[Leo94]

If you think you have a head gasket problem DON'T drive it until you can confirm what the problem is or you could end up having to replace the engine if it gets real bad. Did the noise you mentioned go after you replaced the water pump, if not what does it sound like? Remove your oil cap, dipstick and radiator cap and check for and brown/creamy residue. When your car is running try and get a quick waft of the exhaust smoke to see if it smells sweet that is if you're running coolant.