Just my luck :(

[1fun71]

latley I have been using my 71 as a trash truck hauling a load about once a week to the dump. well on my way to the dump I notice I was leaving a billowing white cloud behind me almost causing zero visibility for the drivers I was ahead of. I kinda chuckled to myself and laughed because we had just recieved about 9" of snow and my truck was mostly still covered except for the windows. But the joke was on me as my engine started to miss and I got the all too familiar smell in my nostrils. A quick glance at the temperature gauge confirmed what I already knew. I turned around limping her home never getting over 210, by the time I got there the miss was gone and so was most of my water! Well I can't blame anybody since I built the motor in my garage last winter, it was my first.

So, I was wondering If anyone could give me some advice. I won't be able to get around to fixing it for awhile so what steps could I take to keep it in good shape until then? I am aware that antifreeze will pit bearings and such so I assume I should drain the oil, but do I just put fresh back in or flush it first somehow? any help would be great thanks in advance.

Joe

[Luvlegs]

I'm not good at this stuff but let me try - this is what I'd do -
1) not just a leaking hose right?
2) pull each plug and look for the one that looks like it was steam cleaned
3) If I find one (hopefully only one) I'd assume head gasket leak
4) pick up new gasket - pull head and replace.
5) replace drained oil
6) start it back up and see what I have
This is by no means correct, just what I'm guessing I'd do. Let's see what pans out from others.... good luck.

[BACKYARD88]

I'd find the problem first and go from there. If there's a major problem(cracked head or such) that you can't get to right now I'd at least get it torn down and coated with oil or something to keep from pitting the cylinder walls etc.

[Longhorn Man]

I would start with a compression test, and also find out why it overheated...a cooling system check.

[HavinSomeFun]

Did it freeze and crack the block? or push out a freeze plug?

[EyeH8the24]

always have the heads resurfaced when you have them off...even a head that has never run hot will need it ...

[68K20 x Drill]

I popped a hole in a freeze plug the other day. Leaking 1 gallon every 4 minutes, I stopped and filled up at about every gas station on the 25 mile ride home without running dangerously low. Thanks to a 4 gallon coolant capacity.

Anyway, pour some water in and see if it runs out anywhere, it could be as easy as a loose hose clamp.

[truckdude239]

[QUOTE=EyeH8the24;2493756]always have the heads resurfaced when you have them off...even a head that has never run hot will need it ...[/QUOTe}


check the deck and he head surface and have them machince if need

[1fun71]

well I don't think it froze I'm supposed to be good till -30 and it hasn't got that cold here yet not that it will, I also warmed the truck up for thirty minutes and drove two miles before it happened. I did check and steam was comming from the pass. exhaust and the back of the head. I will get a closer look later. I'm afraid the truck is retaliating since I had just brought home a power wagon with ironically nearly the same problem! well it most know I will fix it first

Thanks for all the help and suggestions I really appreciate it alot. I will let yu know what exactly happened soon. Joe

[sodak69c10]

if you can borrow a radiator pressure tester from a shop , it would make pretty quick work of finding your leak , just fill it up with water and put the tester on and see where she sprays out at

[special-K]

I think you found your leak.The only question is head crack or gasket.I`d guess gasket and prolly from not retorquing after the rebuild.
I`d drain the oil and use used oil from another vehicle to refill.Could another vehicle use an oil change?Ok...with oil back in I`d fill with straight water and run it out in the driveway,watching the temp.It may help to burn off and not foul by keeping it revved a bit.Drain oil again and fill with new.Run it a little with no coolant in the system to get the oil through the passages and a coat on everything.Maybe use a cling additive,too.This is if you won`t touch it for awhile.

The best thing would be to pull the heads,flush coolant with lube,and replace oil.If motor is pulled for easier access and put on a stand,I`d roll it over and remove the oil pan to clean & lube the bearings.Then,close it up.