Eagle Vision losing its cool.

I have a 96 Eagle Vision TSI with about 82000 miles that seems to look it
coolant every 3 or so months.

For example, 2 days ago, as I exited the Vision, I heard a (for lack of a
better term) "pissing" sound. That is when I discovered coolant exiting (at
high speed) the overflow tube.

I let the car cool down overnight before I open the radiator cap. That is
when I discovered the overflow tank empty.

I refilled the tank, as I have done before, and resume driving.

What I want to know is what in the heck is really wrong with my car?

I had it into service, and after $300 and two day, all that PepBoys can tell
me that its not the thermostat nor the water pump. However, they suspect a
crack in the engine.

But, I thought that if coolant get into the engine, I would get white smoke
out the tail pipe.

I don't get any smoke out of the tail pipe, nor any other warning (except
for a slow rise in the temperature gage just before the coolant drains) that
anything is wrong.

So, can PepBoys be correct about a crack engine? Is there a (very!) cheep
method of pinpointing the problem? Or should I start saving my pennies for
another car?

 

You need to have the system pressure tested. Is it leaking from anywhere
other than the overflow tank and if so, under what conditions?

If no other leaks observed, then some possible causes:

Radiator Cap
Radiator blockage
Stuck thermostat
bad water pump
defective coolant temperature sender
inoperable cooling fan (several root causes)
blocked heater core

Others can add other thoughts, but a the age of the vehicle unless it was
well maintained, I'd bet on the radiator flow being restricted. I am
currently replacing my son's 1996 Eagle Vision 3.5L radiator since the tank
had a small seam leak. We found a new one for $110 locally from a radiator
shop and will put it in ourselves today. His cooling system worked like
new, but had the radiator completely flushed and the antifreeze changed
every two years. This time around I plan to use the G-05 Zerex since I've
had good luck with it in my slightly newer 2.7L Intrepid.

Bob

 

It could be something as simple as a radiator cap that doesn't quite
hold as much pressure as it should. I would try that (at least) before
assuming that there's an internal engine gas leak (neither Vision engine
is prone to blowing head gaskets, cracking heads, etc.)

 

Thank you for the heads up on my coolent problem

But now another problem has come up.

My head gasket (front/driver side corner) is leaking.

So, I have 2 questions.

1: Is the coolent problem and the leaking head gasket an effect (or cause)
of one on the other?

2: How much (generally) does a head gasket replacement cost on a LH 3.5L
engine?

 

Thank you for the heads up on my coolent problem

But now another problem has come up.

My head gasket (front/driver side corner) is leaking.

So, I have 2 questions.

1: Is the coolent problem and the leaking head gasket an effect (or cause)
of one on the other?

2: How much (generally) does a head gasket replacement cost on a LH 3.5L
engine?