Solving an Overheating Problem - Caused Hose to Burst

[LPSISRL]

Did you have to pull the exhaust manifold? No wonder it was a pain!

[licenseTOill]

Yes, the exhaust manifold had to come off to access the water pump. I couldn't figure it out so I took it to a local mechanic that I trust. He couldn't figure out this issue the first day either. Today he will be testing for a head gasket issue. He had to order some dye for testing.

[KuroNekko]

Good luck and keep us posted.

[licenseTOill]

Confirmed head gasket problem.

I'm getting a quote to fix it and and also asked about how much cost I have into the diagnosis. The shop also recommended to change the timing chain as long as I have it that far apart.

Not sure what I'll do yet. I also need tires on it asap so I probably will have 1300 in the head gasket and another 700 for tires in front of me.

I have 4 options in front of me.
Fix it myself.
Pay to have it fixed.
Sell it.
Trade it.

[Ronzuki]

OK, so it's a 2012...with how many miles? Are you the original owner? Do you own it out-right?
Wondering the root cause of the HG failure.

[Triggerhappy]

Confirmed head gasket problem.

I'm getting a quote to fix it and and also asked about how much cost I have into the diagnosis. The shop also recommended to change the timing chain as long as I have it that far apart.

Not sure what I'll do yet. I also need tires on it asap so I probably will have 1300 in the head gasket and another 700 for tires in front of me.

I have 4 options in front of me.
Fix it myself.
Pay to have it fixed.
Sell it.
Trade it.

I see you have 98k miles. Wouldn't this be covered under the 100k powertrain warranty?

[Ronzuki]

At 98k, it should be covered with no questions asked, IF, he can prove the scheduled maintenance was done as required.

[licenseTOill]

I think the root cause was an overheat due to a failed coolant line.
I called about warranty. Radiator and hoses are only part of the bumper to bumper warranty and as such, any damage caused to the power train by the radiator or hoses is not covered.
Unfortunately, it's probably not worth me trailering it 100+ miles to the dealer to have them possibly determine that it isn't covered and then also have to pay them for the diagnosis if it isn't covered.

I owe about $5k on it. 2012 SLS. 98k miles. I have owned it since 12k miles and have incredibly detailed service records.

[Ronzuki]

You owe 5k, so it's a no brainer, you're going to have to fix the head gasket. A dead Kizashi is worth nothing except scrap value. Fix it and then determine if you want to keep it or trade/sell it to eliminate the debt on it and the potential future issues that can arise after an over-heating issue such as this.

If you are talking about that little port plug as being 'the failed cooling line' then I'd say the head gasket failed first, causing the over pressure in the cooling system blowing that plug off like a pressure relief valve. A 2012 anything's hoses are not going to fail on their own after only 4 years. They're not old enough nor dry enough yet. Hell, my ancient Samurai still has original hoses on it. IDK, I'd be inclined to take it to my service center and negotiate with them. Then again, my service center is only about 25 miles away. Having full service records puts you in a much better position. I know for a fact that my Suzuki guys would remove the head and look at the seal to see what caused it to leak and verify the overall condition of the engine before determining if warranty will cover it. Seen them do it to an XL7 that was all torn apart for a blown HG during a visit once. They will also verify the mating surfaces of the head and deck of the block to see if it's in or out of spec. Then they'll call Suzuki and tell them what they found and their opinion. In that case, everything was clean and true so it was eventually covered. Now, I will say this was before they exited N. America. Good luck and let us know what you decide to do and how things went.

[licenseTOill]

That's a good point about the hose not being the initial failiure. I don't see how the head gasket could just go bad after 98k miles without the help of an overheat first.