Dogtag114

So... topped this off for the first time in April after a warning... now two months later, another warning and lost half an inch.

should I panic and only drive this to get headbolts replaced or could this be anything?

i have just under 100k miles.

PeterA90

What year car?

Dogtag114

2009... yes I know 😖

PeterA90

Fcp euro is your friend man... get fresh headbolts and buckets. Do it soon before the car hydrolocks and then your really gonna have a bad day

BLKROKT

If you like the car and intend to keep it, YES

Dogtag114

Like 20 min drive or flat bed it?

IssaC63

You should be confirming you don't have a small external leak before going too crazy. Have a pressure test done or scope the cylinders.

m a x i m u s

I had a similar issue. Ended up being a pinhole leak in the radiator.

G_Money

Well put it this way.. $20-$30 tow, or $10k+ hydro locked motor?

Jasonoff

If you breached the HG, the heads need to come off.

Check for evidence of coolant in your undertrays before you toss it on the flatbed.

If it is in fact just a leak, consider yourself lucky. The bolts can be done one at a time in that case

PeterA90

Whether it’s a leak in the radiator or not. Headbolts and buckets need to be done. Cry once and get done with it. Topping off your fluid is just a bandaid to the problem.

Dogtag114

Yup planned anyway...

Dogtag114

Update: they found now internal leak so assumed to be being burned off in the exhaust.

My Indy shop will be replacing all the gaskets and headbolts.

BLKROKT

Good catch, you got lucky

Dogtag114

When you say buckets... can buckets?

i don’t remember that on the invoice.

Crya

iTrader: (1)

Buckets/lifters/tappets
same same. After our years there’s an updated pn. Since headbolts require removal of the “buckets” people doing bolts almost always seem to update the buckets to the more wear resistant version. Take a look at RM European. They had them on sale not too long ago.

Dogtag114

So... bolts not broken but two were stretched and corroded.... replaced head bolts, gaskets, spark plugs, etc but coolant also got to and damaged water pump so replaced that too.

Car back at home for under $4k.