I was noticing some coolant loss and wanted to see what was going on. I did an oil change it it looked like straight oil. After removing the air filter today I saw what looks like some dried coolant on top of the engine and you can see in one of the images there is a plug with 2 plastic holes where two hoses would hook up to. Maybe going to the AC that was ripped out? Also there is no coolant reservoir.
The intake manifold gasket looks like it is leaking as well as the valve cover gaskets. I have never done this type of job but I am thinking I could follow a few tutorials and get it done. Should I also replace the exhaust manifold gasket and what other ones should I be looking at doing?
If I open it up what would I be looking for with cylinder 7?
Also I included a picture of the transmission and I am assuming this was a rebuilt one installed at one time?
What did #7 spark plug look like compared to the rest? If a cylinder is leaking water it will flash to steam during combustion. This will cause that plug to look like it's been steam-cleaned (which it has sorta).
I've never cared that much for compression test. A cylinder leakage test and a good plug read speaks volumes.
That "plug" on top of the thermostat housing with the broken hose connections is a thermostatic valve and was part of the old vacuum advance.
The exhaust manifolds don't have gaskets at the heads.
What did #7 spark plug look like compared to the rest? If a cylinder is leaking water it will flash to steam during combustion. This will cause that plug to look like it's been steam-cleaned (which it has sorta).
I've never cared that much for compression test. A cylinder leakage test and a good plug read speaks volumes.
That "plug" on top of the thermostat housing with the broken hose connections is a thermostatic valve and was part of the old vacuum advance.
The exhaust manifolds don't have gaskets at the heads.
Here are the pictures of the spark plugs. The previous owner changed them about 500-1000 miles ago so they are relatively new. The gap looks high and some are grey and some have an oil build up?
I can grab a leak down test kit from autozone tonight.
Was the thermostatic valve for the AC?
Basically seeing if I should move forward with gaskets in this engine or if a new crate engine sometime this year will be a better move.
A new spark plug in cylinder that's consuming water will still look almost new at only 500 to a 1000 miles. You'll need an air compressor for a cylinder leakage test. If you can rent a coolant system pressure test kit you can pump the system up to operating pressure and look for water in #7 (and elsewhere) You might try that first as it will be easier and quicker and it's a hand pump operation. You can also leave the coolant system pumped up for a couple of hours if you don't see any water at first
Do you think the spark plug looks like it has extra oil?
I have an air compressor for my nail gun that should be able to hook up to the unit. Do you know how to find 'top dead center' for each cylinder on the 350? That is one thing on these leak down tutorials that I am not sure about.
The spark plugs look a little dark but it's hard to tell if it's oil, running rich or just a cold plug. For cylinder TDC: Pull the valve cover so you can watch the rocker arms. With both valves closed the cylinder is as closed up as it's gonna get. The valves and the distributor rotor button will tell you when you are close to TDC on whichever cylinder you're checking.
The 350 is a good motor … if you get a new crate its the same block you have now with new gaskets...… I don't believe the motor is bad it just needs some lovin …
maintenance is always better than a catstroific failure ...
SUNSHINE VANS-VAN DIEGO ADRENALIN BY THE GALLON & CHASIN RACIN ONE FOR THE DIRT & ONE FOR THE STREETS '93 CHEVY G30 454 4X4 SPORTVAN EXT 146" WB '92 CHEVY G30 454 BEAUVILLE EXT 146" WB
