Head Gasket or not?

[boondocker04]

i already posted and got the gasket kit info thanks to Torque, reason im wondering if its head gasket is that 1.computer says check coolant when i shut off car. And when i changed oil, i didnt see any signs of coolant in oil but when i filled up motor with fresh oil 2.I took flashlight and looked in the filler cap and saw little bit of green fluid dont know if it is a fluke or what but car runs great 170K and when i stop at stop sign a sit for a sec my heat cools off a bit and when i give it gas and go it gets warmer. Is that a sign of loss of pressure in coolant due to small leak from head gasket? Exhaust does smell kinda strong of emissions but cant really tell if its coolant. Weather here is cold so exhaust is always coming out so wont be able to see if its burning coolant. It would greatly appreciated if i could get some opinions. Should i do headgasket change anyways or what? It is a e36 328i if anybodys wondering. Love the car my first beemr and i want it to last

[johnnyBgood]

Originally Posted by boondocker04

i already posted and got the gasket kit info thanks to Torque, reason im wondering if its head gasket is that 1.computer says check coolant when i shut off car. And when i changed oil, i didnt see any signs of coolant in oil but when i filled up motor with fresh oil 2.I took flashlight and looked in the filler cap and saw little bit of green fluid dont know if it is a fluke or what but car runs great 170K and when i stop at stop sign a sit for a sec my heat cools off a bit and when i give it gas and go it gets warmer. Is that a sign of loss of pressure in coolant due to small leak from head gasket? Exhaust does smell kinda strong of emissions but cant really tell if its coolant. Weather here is cold so exhaust is always coming out so wont be able to see if its burning coolant. It would greatly appreciated if i could get some opinions. Should i do headgasket change anyways or what? It is a e36 328i if anybodys wondering. Love the car my first beemr and i want it to last

You can either bring your car to an AutoZone or Advanced Auto Parts & have them pressure test your coolant system or you can rent the tool from them, it is free! if there is a leak, teh pressure test will find it! tool looks like this:

Amazon.com: Stant Inc. 12270 Cooling System and Pressure Cap Tester Set: Automotive

Amazon.com: Stant Inc. 12270 Cooling System and Pressure Cap Tester Set: Automotive

jb


p.s. Head Gasket a white very sweet smelling, smokey mist coming from the tail pipe.........even after warm up! Is what to look for.....

[aran88]

normaly when the head gasket is gone or going there is a build up of yellowy gunk inside the oil filler cap but the pressure test above would be the way to be sure though

[boondocker04]

Thanks guys ill do pressure test and hope that its not head gasket maybe just bad coolant sensor