From a previous posting, I have a smell in the coolant res, it is either petrol or it is exhaust gases.
My nose and that of others tell me the smell is petrol not exhaust fumes.
Is it possible to get petrol in to the cooling system.
I can't think how, offhand.
My basic test for bad head gaskets (or cracked/warped heads) is to remove the coolant pressure cap when the engine is cool, clamp the overflow hose if applicable, and place my hand over the opening I removed the cap from while somebody starts the engine. If you can feel the pressure change as the engine cranks, and if pressure builds up when the engine starts and returns if you let the pressure "burp" the chances are high the head has to come off to see why. If it passes that test, the next stage is to have the helper put the transmission in gear, slip the clutch a bit if a manual, and with the helper standing on the brake (and you standing beside the car, not in front) repeat the test. If still no pressure build-up, you can rest easier about the head and head gasket.
Mike
Check your Transmission. Sounds like a problem I had when the radiator and the trenny were swapping fluids via the tranny cooler inside the radiator!
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