Check engine o2 sensor/head gasket

[Avcb7driver]

My 93 lx has been pushing coolant into reservoir and after a couple mins the check engine light will come on when the ecu is jumped the o2 trouble code comes on. But after engine is shut off and restarted no check engine light? Btw cars been drinking coolant and upper radiator hose is extremely hot/pressurized. Thinking the head gasket blew and exhaust is getting into system but not sure exactly yet, any thoughts?

[deevergote]

If the head gasket is blown, you'll be blowing white smoke from the tail pipe. Burning coolant could certainly foul the o2 sensor. o2 codes tend to come and go. It's irritating.
If the upper hose is pressurized, it's also possible that your thermostat has failed. I'd start by replacing that, as it's cheap and easy.

[Avcb7driver]

If the head gasket is blown, you'll be blowing white smoke from the tail pipe. Burning coolant could certainly foul the o2 sensor. o2 codes tend to come and go. It's irritating.
If the upper hose is pressurized, it's also possible that your thermostat has failed. I'd start by replacing that, as it's cheap and easy.

Did that already when radiator fan wouldnt turn on, wired manual switch to the dash and purged/burped radiator. My radiator is blowing white smoke/steam from cap when taken off.

[cloudasc]

A bad radiator cap can cause the overflow bottle to overflow, how old is the radiator cap? You say you have an o2 code, which one(s)?

[GhostAccord]

The "white smoke" from your radiator is just steam. If you remove your radiator cap ARE there air bubbles coming out of it?

When you replaced the thermostat did you make sure that the little hole was at the top and that it is positioned with the charge cylinder facing the engine side?

[Avcb7driver]

Yes it bubbles and i am going to reinstall it later tonight, the thermostat that is

A bad radiator cap can cause the overflow bottle to overflow, how old is the radiator cap? You say you have an o2 code, which one(s)?

Changed the cap and it was only throwing code 43 i believe

[GhostAccord]

If it bubbles with air while it's running that is usually a sign of a leaking head gasket and compressed gasses getting into the coolant.

If you can you should see about getting a coolant system pressure test done. It will show you where your car is drinking the coolant from.

How does your oil look? Not that it matters, coolant doesn't always mix into the oil pan with a blown head gasket. On the other side. Does your radiator or over flow coolant have any signs of oil spots?

[Avcb7driver]

I just changed the oil to penzoil 10w40 since where i live it gets super hot, on the dip stick the old oil looked like it had water but when i drained it it wasnt bad at all, gonna try some blue devil head gasket sealer and see what happens

[wildBill83]

I just changed the oil to penzoil 10w40 since where i live it gets super hot, on the dip stick the old oil looked like it had water but when i drained it it wasnt bad at all, gonna try some blue devil head gasket sealer and see what happens

I can tell you what will happen, it will gum up your radiator, water pump and thermostat. If you use that junk expect to replace all coolant related items shortly...

[deevergote]

Agreed. Regardless of claims, you cannot repair mechanical damage with anything that comes in a bottle.

You may need to replace your radiator.

Code 43 is most often an o2 code, but there are times it truly is indicating another fuel supply issue. I feel it's usually safe to assume o2, though.

[Avcb7driver]

Radiator is brand new, today i am cleaning every fuel/air/cooling component and thus far the starting valve seems to have been the issue, the coolant line was completely packed with calcium deposits/dirt

[deevergote]

Heater core, perhaps? It's been a while since I had to replace a heater core, and I can't remember if a clogged core would result in a backed up cooling system.

[Stoner51]

I remember Geoff posting something on the heater core in his car. If I recall replacement was a bitch.
If its too hot where you are now you could just bypass it by connecting the two lines at the fire wall.

I'm not positive my idea will work and don't know if it will cause any harm, other than no heat.

steve

[deevergote]

Yeah, replacing the heater core is definitely a pain in the ass.
I believe race cars often have the heater core deleted to save weight, so bypassing the core shouldn't do any harm, as long as it's done correctly, and the system properly bled afterward.

[andrew22888]

Blue devil does no physical harm to a engine. I have known many people to use it. And it will hold for a long time. My headgasket had it put in by previous owner. Finally gave out 30,000 miles later. I changed the head gasket and only way I noticed it was in there besides him telling me. Was that the head gasket was coated in a thin layer of blue. The flush turned up nothing. Blue devil is one of the only products I would put in my car as it does not harden when put in. Just make sure you follow instructions to the T.
Easy way to find out if the heater core is clogged take off one heater core hose. And put a water hose in your radiator start the car and if water keeps coming out of the heater core then it's not clogged. I'm guessing head gasket mine and honda ladies. Were doing the same exact thing coming out of the radiator.