richp

My '94 C280 developed a clogged radiator about a week ago. I'm sure it had been brewing for a while, but our recent warm weather brought it to light. When driving, the temperature started to steadily increase right up to 120, but never went into the red. The hose side of the radiator would be really hot, and the other side would be only moderately warm. No brainer.
I scheduled a new radiator replacement this Wednesday. I had been driving the car to work, about a 30 mile trip, and keeping a close eye on the temp guage. Last Friday, the temp went up and stopped right at 120, but after about 15 minutes the engine started to loose power. I pulled over and the engine got really hot and blew a radiator hose when I shut it off. Now, it has uneven compression, lots of air and bubbles pumping into the radiator reserve tank, and some small ***** of oil floating around in the reserve tank as well.
My mechanic tells me (hasn't actually seen the car yet) that overheating usually blows the head gasket. I just had the head rebuilt about a year ago, and I'm worried that, being aluminum, the heat may have cracked it. Does anyone have any experience with severe overheating with this engine? Does the head gasket usually blow, or does the head usually crack? I really like the car, but I'm just worried about investing (yet again) more than the blue book value on this car to get it fixed.
Thank you for any advice.

MTI

I doubt that the head is cracked, more likely a gasket that's gone. Safest thing to do is have the mating surfaces checked for true when the new gasket is put on.

faithful_lothario

my car always gets close to 120 but never on it. should i be worried?

Untertürkheim

Yes, it should run at about 82-85C, occationally up to 90, never over 100.

faithful_lothario

well. its been doing it since it was new so i guess if nothing has happened in 12 years I'll be fine for another few years.