Before I pull out my hair and shoot myself Need to ask here first.
Friend's car - Eagle Talon 96 or 97 non turbo POS. Cooling system is over-pressurizing. It has popped off a couple hoses - I think he just didn't tighten the clamps but after driving for awhile it comes pouring out of the reservoir tank. At idle it will be pressurized in about 2 minutes after a cold start - the hoses are rock hard. Now I'm lost.

History on the car! engine was replaced with a fresh reman - 1 year warranty, cheap ******* . Couple years later the water pump failed- bearings came apart and leaked about 2 gallons a day. He's an idiot; drove it till it couldn't be driven anymore, blown head gasket. So I get the car after some fights happened because I didn't want to touch it - but that is another story and redo the head gasket with a MLS gasket - block and head where refinished, gasket had the expensive Mopar sealer put on it and a new water pump and timing bits. Was fine for a few days then this issue popped up.

What I have tested so far - cylinder leak down test - even with a leaky intake valve on number 3 - it passed, held awesome pressure. Ran a gas test in the coolign system - ok no HC or CO2 in the coolant. Replaced the cap and flushed the cooling system. Verified the thermostat works, then replaced it. Working on getting another cap - from someone other than Auto Zone - and will flush the cooling system again for good measure.

Any other thoughts? I'm suspecting maybe a cracked block/head causing this and it is not showing up on my expensive tools. Maybe a water pump issue or?

edit, forgot to add, the coolant level is a cup or 2 low every morning. I can top it off and let it sit, come back later and it is just a bit low? Pressure tested the system hot and cold, holds pressure and does not leak that I can see. Once i take the pressure tester off, it is a cup or 2 low again, and same thing. Top it off and come back about 20 minutes later and it is a little low again.


Maybe I can torch the car and blame it on kids being out of school

[This message has been edited by GreenPlatypus (edited 07-17-2012).]

Oil is full and clean. Level hasn't changed a bit. tranmission is also full and the level hasn't changed - ithought maybe coolant getting into the trans cooler. Right now I am suspecting a crack in the block/head, or the MLS gasket didn't seal properly and I'll have to do it again. He will be thrilled I've "burped" the system a couple times now, though there may still be some air in there, wouldn't surprise me. Especially with my luck on this car.

Car doesn't overheat or blow smoke, fans working like they should, a/c blows cold heat blows hot. May just let him have it and tell him to check the coolant every morning and add as needed :shrug: he probably won't do it, but whatever.

[This message has been edited by GreenPlatypus (edited 07-17-2012).]