msa13623

My '96 ES300 overheated when I started it on an icy day to let it run and melt off all the ice. The thermostat was bad, and it boiled all the coolant away and sat in the red zone for 5-10 mins. I went on ahead and replaced the water pump too (130k miles on the original). Since the overheating, I've noticed a burnt oil smell and dripping on the ground. Hard to tell exactly where the leaking is coming from. Appears to be around the heads (I can see weepage above the exhaust manifold on the front of the engine) but may be down lower in addition. There's no water in the oil and the dipstick is clean. I'm figuring, even though I'm seeing the oil looking OK, I lost the head gaskets. What could have gone out lower down that I need to look into? Thanks in advance.

gserep1

Maybe you should change the engine oil, and clean the engine of any excess oil on the exterior.

After this is done, try driving and checking for burned oil smell again.

ALSO, since the engine overheated, the TRANSMISSION was also exposed to hot transmission fluid for the same period of time. If the fluid looks bad, then change that as well.

Responding to the head gasket issue, if they were blown, you would have notable symptoms. Take a compression check and see if you have a noticeable difference between any two cylinders. If there is no water in oil, or oil in water, and it is running smooth, I'd say that your gaskets escaped damage.

Good luck and stay in touch!
Thanks

maniax

iTrader: (3)

thanks for sharing that with us, now i know where to look when it's due on my car! I just did a thermostat on my 96 camry 4 cycl. and like most cars it's on the end of the upper radiator hose

Choas

Good luck with your overheating issues sems to be a common thing with the second gens. Just think if all else fails a nice jdm swap is always an option. Oh and most important WELCOME TO CL!!!

msa13623

Thanks for the feedback. I've looked thru a lot of other threads and I think I have some common problems. I agree, I think the head gaskets are OK. I changed the oil and tranny fluid after the overheat. It's looking like it's the valve cover gaskets (I figure I'll replace the cam seals while I'm at it). I have the cursed leaky rear oil seal, but figure I'll do the valve covers first and then see if I can live with the oil seal. I'll be doing the motor mounts too. Great forum, very helpful info here.

GiantsInFL

Yea I had similar problems, but I have a blown head gasket. It sucks but at least I only have to pay for the part and not the labor.