couple engine related questions

[berencam]

Ive got a 2000 monte ls with a 3400 engine. the radiator was gunked up with what looked like brownie mix, so i did a flush/fill. I was however unaware of a coolant bleeder screw. I own a 1969 chevy c10 and its the only thing im familiar with working on. What is the correct filling procedure for the monte, and where is the bleeder located.

Secondly, there is engine nock. But it is very intermitant. Sometimes it wont do it for weeks. sometimes everyday. I havent noticed a real pattern to it. It does it regardless of outside temp. Sometimes it will go away after 30 seconds of run, sometimes it will do it all day. It does seem to come from the valve cover, and increases speed with the engine. Its more of a taping than anything, and is anoying. What is it and how easy(or not) is it to fix.

thanks

[blazes9395]

Get your intake gaskets checked out right away!!!. How is the oil? Get the cooling system pressure tested right away, this will help you confirm whether or not you have a gasket problem. I would reccomend not driving it until you verify no coolant/oil are mixing.

The tapping noise is most likely a lifter. This usually begins when coolant starts getting in the engine as a result of leaky intake gaskets and starts contaminating the lifter causing it to make noise. Drivning it like this will most certinly damage the engine.

[berencam]

seems my lifter problem has faded away, and it seemed to go away right after i bled the coolant system.


i do have a new problem however, my computer threw a p0104? i think thats what it was cant remember exactly now, but basically the code said the egr wasnt working, so i replaced it. Now the engine seems to run cooler idles at 650 where as before it was at 900-1100, and i think i may even have a little more pickup. Well ok so the problem is i am only getting 15-18 mpg in the city, going easy on the gas. Is that normal or low? Seems like when i first got it i was getting 25-28. What should i check if it is low. I know the air cleaner is fine, as well as the egr now.