E63PaulyD

Hoping someone can help me understand what might be going on.

I store my car in the winter. It has 78k kms and have had it for a few years...well taken care of by previous owner and myself. I pulled it out a few weeks ago and was getting an intermittent "top up coolant" message. It was colder than previous years so I thought that might be why. I checked the reservoir and it looked low. I topped it up and went for a 20 minute spring drive. I noticed the oil temperature fluctuating between 97 and 107. Are these two things related???

I'm aware of the head bolt issue and i'm obviously really hoping that isn't the problem. I'm also wondering if the above are the symptoms of replacing the head bolts.

Responses/advice are appreciated.

Thanks,

HLG600

Coolant is impacted by significant temperature fluctuations, so level changes as a result of this (within reason of course) are okay.

The head bolts should be replaced as a preventive measure. You could go 200K miles without issue or have them fail in less the 20K miles (both scenarios documented on here).

I wouldn't worry about a 10C fluctuation in oil temperature just yet. Priority 1 is to confirm that your head gasket was not compromised:

-Visually inspect your oil for any milky discoloration.
-Test the cooling system for combustion vapors. (Link: )

E63PaulyD

Thanks HLG