Overheat / Radiator Problems
 

Hi there.
Firstly, I know nothing about cars, so apologies for my ignorance / stupid questions.

I've got a '99 Blazer (UK model).
Always had a minor issue with temp guage going up to max (and warning lights coming on) about 5-10 mins into drive, but always used to come straight back down to 'normal' again.
Recently (last 4 weeks), started staying at max for up to 5-10 mins (but still came down again)
Last week started staying on max, and I even had smoke coming through air vents a couple of times.
I checked the water levels in the resevoir (sort of half way back on the right hand side of the engine) - seemed OK (above minimum) and I topped it up to max. I was surprised when I checked this when the engine was hot that there was no steam / pressure escape when opening the cap (but didn't know what this meant). Still no change in the problems.
Took the Blazer to a garage on Friday - they said the radiator was empty (and they have now filled it for me), and they also thought I had a Head Gasket gone (I think they said they checked for fuel in the coolant?)

3 questions:

1. How come the radiator was empty, but the overflow tank was OK?
2. How do I check / fill the radiator? It looks like it has a cap on the top right corner of the radiator (at the front of the engine) - I can turn the cap (about a quarter turn) but I can't get it off. Is there a special knack to this?
3. Would you agree with the diagnosis of a head gasket issue?

Any thoughts / ideas / advice greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Paul

It sure is possible the garage is right. The water could of gone into one of the cylinders & burned. Is the oil milky looking? The reservoir holds water until the engine cools off sucking it into the radiator if it is low ONLY.
To remove the radiator cap turn it as your pressing down on it.
Blazers are known to leak around the intake gaskets might look there to see.
Hope this helps.