Hkp7

84S running rough for months, lots of new parts and extensive diagnosis as well as a good compression test, this is what I found after a ten minute drive tonight. Reminds me of coffee with creme. No oil in coolant though. What do you guys think? Bill.

Opelotus

Ah, I just had this happen 3 days ago, except mine was filled with gunk as thick as pudding. Some suggested that if the car is not driven long enough to clear the moisture out of the crankcase (short trips/not enough time for engine to get up to temp) that can occur. Also I wonder if cold weather increases the likelihood that this gunk builds up.

You said there is no oil in the coolant, but what about coolant in the oil?

Imo000

Pull the dipstick and it it's the same, then there is a problem. Then pull the plugs and look for one that looks brand new.

Hkp7

On the shaft of the dipstick, not where you check the level, it had the same residue. I just pulled all eight plugs and they all look even and dry. Maybe slightly blown? lol.

Hkp7

Also, it hasnt been that cold here lately, and I try to run the car a couple times a week to blow it out. I am wondering about the wet spatter coming from the exhaust at idle when its first started up, I thought it was just running rich. Another think, the exhaust steams for about five minutes after I shut it off. By the way, no converter also.

Hkp7

Just removed drivers side intake runners and found a ring of coolant resting on top of closed valve on number 5 cylinder. Funny that I didnt loose that much coolant.

Hkp7

I am actually happy to have a bad head gasket due to finding the actual problem and can now get to the repair. I plan to pull the engine and re seal everything. might be time for a good picture thread of my steps.

Dave928S

What were your compression test and leakdown results? Are you losing any coolant? Is the cooling system holding pressure?

Quote..... [I am wondering about the wet spatter coming from the exhaust at idle when its first started up..... the exhaust steams for about five minutes after I shut it off] = typical head gasket symptoms.

Edit: just saw your last two posts .. sometimes it doesn't leak a huge amount. The gaskets will probably just be disintegrating ... which might be as a consequence of past lack of coolant replacement and flushing.

Fogey1

Yes, please.

Where in Ohio? I'm in Zanesville.

Hkp7

I did a compression test and every cyl was 150 lbs, I did not do a leak down test. I am not noticing any coolant loss. It is about three inches from the fill cap. I am in Olmsted township, last exit on 480 w. I cant believe how slight of a leak can make the car run horrible, such as if it was 100hp less.

Hkp7

cooling system seems to be holding pressure, I dont have a tester. But the radiatior hoses get tight with cap on and engine hot.

Mrmerlin

Ahh if there is coolant on the top of the valve then your head gasket prolly isnt bad but you have a cracked head

Dave928S

Crappy gaskets can give you slightly low compression figures, but still not too bad, because of speed of cranking. A leakdown test would give you additional information to go further in confirming a head gasket leak by showing excessive leakage and pressurisation of the cooling system with the engine not running. Head gasket leakage will pressurise the cooling system when the engine is running but will bleed down after shut off. A coolant pressure test will show the leakdown of pressure in the cooling system. I assume the water you could see on top of the valve was an exhaust valve?

Dave928S

If it was on an intake that would be a strong suspicion ... but if on top of an exhaust it could be water droplets pushed through on an exhaust stroke on its way to the exhaust system.

Mrmerlin

Just removed drivers side intake runners and found a ring of coolant resting on top of closed valve on number 5 cylinder. Funny that I didnt loose that much coolant.

This leads me to believe the head is cracked