Strange overheating issues

[FasthunVR6 0]

Greetings all!

 

I come to you with a conundrum.

 

I run a '95 VR6, bar some body work she has been good as gold for 3 years, Vince does all the work on her so she has been in good hands with a smudge under 100k on the clock.

 

Now, 3 weeks ago I noticed a slight darkening of the coolant fluid and similarly timed an increase in water temps, even on a gentle, legal motorway cruise, to around 105C. Flushed and replaced the coolant and gave her an oil change, made no difference.

I am thinking head gasket BUT, no smoke, no smeg, no noises, no loss of power, 34-35 MPG, radiator pipes are hot and so is the rad, fans spin up and if I run the heaters I can bring the temp back down to 90C. (not great with recent summery temperatures being quite warm enough thanks)

 

So I am at a loss.

 

Any ideas much appreciated!

 

Cheers all

[Wild-Animal 0]

It depends if the head gaset could be gone but allowing oil into the water,but around the chambers could still be sealed.

I would think it could be to do with your oil cooler, that would be easier to replace and see if it solves it.

[dannyboy 0]

The cylinder gases could be getting into the cooling system and head gasket can be acting as a one way valve since pressures are higher. Darking could be gases diluting coolant. You can get a CO2 indicator kit that you put it in a small bottle with a sample of the coolant with a fluid that turns colour if CO2 is present.best way to find out if its the head.

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-Engine-Coolant-Tester-Kit-CO2-Leakage-New-/250730247077

 

Coolant pump belt slipping? Or thermostat sticking?

Edited September 14, 2012 by dannyboy

[FasthunVR6 0]

Cheers guys, will have the coolant tested for CO2 , but I have looking for an excuse for a mocal anyway so if I can smoke it past the other half as a "necessary expense" as the original "has gone" and have the HG done at the same time for "peace of mind"....... Oh well, looks like its time to call Vince again!