Today I disconnected the radiator hose from the thermostat & drained the antifreeze out. It wasnt too discolored - looked more brown inside the small tank. But I think everyone here is right about a head gasket issue developing, any insight into how long it might last before it brakes? what happens when it does give out? will putting a new thermostat in help the head gasket issue? how difficult is a leak down test & apprx time?
Also, I went to local autozone to buy new thermostat they looked it up and found two options for me. One with a picture for $30 and one without a picture for $90 which was out of stock. I bought the $30 because only one in stock, cheaper and they seemed certain it was the right one; It was not, the piece I bought was shaped in an "L" shape or right angle, also was 3 pieces - 2 housing pieces & the thermostat. When I pulled the thermostat out today, it was one piece with electrical connector on top but definately one bigger type deal. I have pictures of it & could upload from email. Could anyone link me to the correct thermostat part??