2003 Dodge Stratus heater core or head gasket?

Question

I don't know which one it is,my A/C only blows on high and it only blows cold air when heat is on.Something is leaking from the left side of the car,not sure from where.The car keeps over heating,my oil is fine,but the smoke is steamy.I put water in the radiator and it steams up a little before it cools down.None of my engine lights are on,only the temp light when car is overheating.It did die once today but it is the first time and it chattered when I stepped on the gas pedal right before that happened.Lots of people are saying that it's my head gasket but a friend that works on cars a lot says it's my heat core because my gasket looks okay while the car is running.Anything would help! Spending so much money to replace a head gasket is just pointless.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

If it gets hot within 5 minutes of starting it then it is your head gasket. If it takes a while to get hot then it is your heater -core                                                                                                                                                                                                             tronary...you are a correct, it could be the radiator, but from what he/she is saying it could also be the heater-core or a head gasket.

The Devil · Answer

The only way to see a head gasket it to remove the head and look at it. If you see water leaking from the left side of the car, where it's leaking out is the problem. It is possible for a head gasket to leak between where the head is on the engine block. If you can take time to look around until you find the leak, you'll have a better idea what needs fixing. Gaskets leak, hoses leak, freeze plugs leak, water pump shaft seals leak and cracks leak. If you have bubbles coming up in your radiator when the engine is running, it's a strong indocation that the head gasket is kaput and maybe even the head is damaged as well.  If your car seriously overheated, it's possible the head is warped or also cracked and letting water escape. If you don't have time or confidence to find it yourself, hire a shop with a competent mechanic. You're going to spend $50-$100 per hour and part of that will be time spent looking for the leak. I wouldn't be surprized to see the bill rise to $1000-$2000, or more.

jumbobret · Answer

Sounds more like a blown hose, because if it were a head gasket you'd find oil in water, if it were a heater core you'd find antifreeze inside of car on passenger. The heater core is in the inside of the car not the outside. By your description it is more likely a hose, get a pressure tester and try it.

tronary · Answer

You are totally on the wrong track. All them "mekaniks" even after wrenching for 15 years? can't solve a simple problem. I don't follow the a/c only works when heat is on. The "only runs on high" means the resistor bank is out. Get a new one at auto supply.The leak may be discovered while you do the following.
Go to a RADIATOR SHOP, not an auto repair, and get the radiator checked. It is plugged and needs professional cleaning.

? · Answer

scent of coolant interior the automobile. additionally attempt utilising the heater, if it would not get heat/warm, verify the point of the coolant. If the point is widespread then you fairly could probably have a foul heater center. A blown head gasket, you will unfastened coolant widespread you tension. additionally white smoke coming from the exhaust.

Anonymous · Answer

not the heater core. take it to shop for diagnosis.

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2003 Dodge Stratus heater core or head gasket?

6 Answers