Head Gasket or Crack in crankcase?

[speedog2010]

I already own a 92 and a 95 escort- but need to replace the older one. Looking at buying a 95 escort that is blowing white smoke. for sure it is coming from the cooling system, as the oil is fouled and creamy white. anyway, I would normally suspect it is just a head gasket, but the cylinders are giving me readings of 175 - 185. I am really wondering if their is a crack in the crankcase? also one other thing- cylinders 4, 3 and 2 all checked out to be around 180 ish on the PSI test, cylinder one at first tested 155 and then on a second and third test the presure came up to 175. the engine seems to run ok, but it is loosing water someplace. Any thoughts on this one. I have changed head gaskets before- so that is no big jog.

[jeffescortlx]

It was probly over heated and cracked the head, it happpends.

[speedog2010]

hi Jeff- ya, that is what I am thinking- except I have blown a couple escort head gaskets and I usually get low pressure in one or more cylinders- usually like 70 psi or worse- while the good cylinders will stay above the 165 range. this engine has compression on all four cylinders- although the variances are a bit high. I am more concerned about a crack in the case- as the crankcase has much water- and the engine seems to have fairly good power- not consistant with a blown head gasket- how can I tell for sure if it is a crack in the case or just a typical escort blown head gasket?

[Arnoldtheskier]

Overheated like Jeff said=cracked head.Prbablly in the ex.port PAST the seat.
Does it smoke hot AND cold? Whatever condtion it smokes it do that.Make sure the coolant is full..rad and o/flow.Pull the plugs.P.test the system at about 15 lbs.The coolant IS going SOMEWHERE under pressure!.Smoking? In amost ALL cases when the pressure is applied AND there is a leak like this..coolant leak/smoke..pressuring the system static..engine off like this.The coolant is forced in to the combustion chamber..i/e on top of the piston.Continue the test and keep the pressure up(even as it is dropping off).You may have to turn the engine over by hand a few times as you do this.Hit the starter..WHEREVER the leak was the coolant will come squirting out the plug hole.You don't wanna be forcing the coolant into the ex. man where you CAN'T see it.Again..you may have to loosen the ex. man.
Get the oil out of this thing.A/f in the oil=bye bye lower end.
IF you still suspect that the block is cracked.(unlikely with good compression).It could have cracked near the bottom..BELOW the last piston ring..not likely.Then repeat this test with NO oil in the crankcase and the drain plug off and a pan under the drain hole.A/F in the pan probablly bye bye motor.

If you don't have access to a cooling systen p/tester then you can make one up like I did.Splice/"T" into the heater hose.Put a 0-20 lbs gauge in there.ALSO in there I put a tire valve chuck.This allows you to add air to the system BUT does not allow air to escape! I use a tire to pressuize the system.Let the air out of the tire to 20 psi OR use a fully inflated tire and TOUCH! I MEAN TOUCH the chuck to it.REAL QUICK! as the pressure builds up FAST!! Muck this up and there is a guarantee that 35/40lbs pressure applied WILL cause damage elsewhere.

Good luck! Hope it isn't a real stinker to find.

[speedog2010]

thanks Arnold, I actually found a better used Escort (it will be my third) and will pass on this possible big problem. Arnold, your advice is great help for the next time I need to diagnose a possible failure like this one. your tests give me good food for thought about how to narrow down the problem. your pressure test makes sense to me. i am fairly sure this one has a bad head or at least a bad gasket- typical on the the 1.9 engine. It probably did overheat and damage the head- but with the amount of AF in the oil, I think I will pass on this as there is likely damage in the lower case. thanks again- speedog