Uh oh... this is bad

chembrad · #1 01-23-2005, 07:20 PM

Only a couple days ago I put my Jimmy back together. It's a 1994 V6 Vortec (W) auto everything with 113300 miles.

After replacing the heater core, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, vacuum hoses, upper intake manifold gasket, CPI unit, nut kit (inj. lines), lower intake manifold gasket and both rocker arm cover gaskets...

I also flushed the heck out of the coolant system and put in fresh coolant.

Now the coolant is all brown. In less than one tank of gas!!!

This is a bad thing I'm thinking.

Yes there is also some water vapor coming out of the tailpipe.

Is there any good way to figure out which head is leaking?
Or should I just go ahead and replace both head gaskets?

The good news is that since I just did everything down to the lower intake, that far is going to be easy the second time around...

When I get the head off, anything I should check while I am at it?

BlazerLT · #2 01-23-2005, 07:30 PM

Check you oil level?

Also, did you replace the rad cap?

What coolant did you use to refil the system?

chembrad · #3 01-23-2005, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlazerLT

Check you oil level?

Yes. Doesn't seem to be too much lower. Only about 1/2 L

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlazerLT

Also, did you replace the rad cap?

Yes. Brand new.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlazerLT

What coolant did you use to refil the system?

Prestone new yellow. Diluted 2:1 for 66% conc.

The engine runs pretty nice, so that is why I think it is only 1 cylinder or so that is leaking.

chembrad · #4 01-23-2005, 08:00 PM

And where can I get a good gasket set for this engine?

BlazerLT · #5 01-23-2005, 08:05 PM

From the dealer really.

But it sounds like you have a head gasket gone.

chembrad · #6 01-23-2005, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlazerLT

From the dealer really.

But it sounds like you have a head gasket gone.

Yep. That is what I think too.

I found this place on-line for gasket sets:
http://www.hi-performance.com/rolgasketsets.htm

But I have a '94 262 V6 (W) [although I don't know the diff between the W and Z vin]

So I'm going to call them and see if they have a gasket kit for my engine.

BlazerLT · #7 01-24-2005, 12:03 AM

Wouldn't it be smart to find out the problem BEFORE you buy parts?

chembrad · #8 01-24-2005, 07:28 AM

Well, I'm getting oil in my coolant and coolant in my engine. So I'm pretty sure it is the head gasket.

Is there any way to tell for sure without taking the engine apart?

It is not leaking outside that I can see. Only internally.

rlith · #9 01-24-2005, 07:54 AM

Yep, blown gasket... Personally I like Felpro's much better than OEM..(just my opinion)

I hope you didn't hurt the bearings..

chembrad · #10 01-24-2005, 11:29 AM

Also I saw a Victor Reinz tech bulletin on the 4.3L head gaskets up to '95. VR makes a layered gasket that I'm going to try. I don't want to have to do it again... Carquest sells the VR gasket kit (excluding the exhaust flange manifold gaskets) for ~US$70.

So now I am back to my other question: When I have the head off, what do I need to check for wear and what should I be looking for? How do I check the bearings to see if there is damage?

rlith · #11 01-24-2005, 11:32 AM

To check the bearings you need to pull the oil pan. As to when you have the heads/lower intake off, clean the egr ports and make sure that ALL gasket material is removed.. Cover the oil valley with news paper, then use 75-100 grit sand after you've used a razor blade. Clean with alchohol.

BlazerLT · #12 01-24-2005, 03:19 PM

Oh, there is coolant in the oil?

chembrad · #13 01-24-2005, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlazerLT

Oh, there is coolant in the oil?

My bad. Correction: oil is in the coolant, and coolant (or water) seems to be getting into the combustion chamber. Although I am not sure about this one because I do not have anything to compare it to. But I have water dripping out of the tail pipe and white vapor as well even after it has achieved normal operating temp.

The oil doesn't seem to have any coolant in it (afaik). I just am losing oil volume into the coolant.

chembrad · #14 01-24-2005, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlith

To check the bearings you need to pull the oil pan.

Doesn't this require lifting the engine from the vehicle?

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlith

As to when you have the heads/lower intake off, clean the egr ports and make sure that ALL gasket material is removed.. Cover the oil valley with news paper, then use 75-100 grit sand after you've used a razor blade. Clean with alchohol

You mean on the lower intake mating surface. I just did the lower intake and I only used a sharp putty knife followed by green scrub pad and an exacto knife.

I didn't want any grit in my engine.

BlazerLT · #15 01-24-2005, 04:55 PM

If you do NOT drive it while it is like this, you should be fine and you will not be required to inspect the bearings.

Seeing you are stating there is no coolant in the oil, you are safe.

I would replace both head gaskets but don't disregard that it might be that intake gasket you installed.

Did you install it to the proper torque spec?

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