Overheating onset

[Steve Sears]

Tom,
Check the cylinder compression - I had a very similar experience, that
resulted in then following observations:
- temp would trip idiot buzzer, boil over if run at 100-120 km/h in 5th.
- if rpms were increased, say by running at 90-100 km/h in 4th, then
temperature would remain below idiot buzzer/boilover.
- initial temp climbed quickly, then oscillated with constant highway
driving closer and closer to boilover.
- rear plug was a slightly different colour than the remaining 4, more of a
whitish brown.
- compression on rear cylinder was lower than the remainder, but not outside
Bentley spec.
- slight oil residue (milky brown yuck) on inside of coolant reservoir
Although my local dealer diagnosed it as a plugged radiator, the result was
verified (by a local mechanic) as a blown head gasket - rear cylinder in
contact with adjacent coolant passage.
Cheers!
Steve Sears
1987 5kTQ
1980 5k
1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes
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