Final Straw
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Joined: Nov 2014
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Final Straw
After chasing vacuum leaks, adjusting timing, installing electronic ignition, fighting to keep my son interested in the build, and pushing it up a couple hills i finally got it to a running smoothly and consistently. And what am i rewarded with... a potentially cracked block. Now it rains under the engine on idle sprinkles from the tail pipe. And when the thermostat opens...thats when the grand smoke show begins. If i was james bond escaping henchmen that sort of thing could be useful. But not in San Diego county. Before i burn it to the ground in frustration, or sell it. Do i have any options? Is there something i could check, a can of miracle snake oil i can buy? If its a head gasket, could a handy individual like myself replace on a long weekend?
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 7
From: NAMPA, ID.
No miracle cure. Rather than jumping to the conclusion that it's the head gaskets or heads themselves, there is the possibility that coolant is leaking from an intake manifold coolant passage and getting into an intake port. Is the engine oil milky as well?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,209
Likes: 12
From: Black Hills of SD
Holy crap!! You have a factory Onan!! Those are rare as hens teeth. I've never even seen one in real. I wouldn't give up on that truck just yet. Do a few tests and see where it's leaking from. Like they said, it could be just an intake gasket.
I'd be interested in seeing the Marti report, I bet very few trucks had all those options.
I'd be interested in seeing the Marti report, I bet very few trucks had all those options.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,052
Likes: 102
From: The Hotel California
a head gasket or intake gasket is not that big of a deal to fix. i know that sometimes these old trucks can be a pain the neck. but do not give up. since your truck has dual spotlights i would think it might been a utility or power company truck. i also think that a Marti report would be a good thing. you can look up on you tube on how to change both of those gaskets. very easy just takes time. you do not need any special tools for this job. good luck with you truck.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Ohio
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,297
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From: S/W Virginia
I really envy the rust free trucks that other places in the country have. That would be a $5k truck here
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 960
Likes: 10
From: Victoria (North Saanich)
Chances that you cracked the block are pretty slim. More likely it is something less catastrophic. Yank it out and re-build it. A simple re-build isn't that expensive, and it is and opportunity to add some go-fast bits.
Getting the heads off in the truck is a bit tricky, but yes you can do it. Start with - do you have the tools? If you do, chances are you have done enough mechanical work that it is quite doable. The intake is REALLY heavy and needs a good strong effort to get it off. Steve Christ's book - "How to Rebuild Big-Block Ford Engines" is a good step by step.
Start by draining the dirty oil and replace it while you think about what you are going to do, or you will rust the crank and damage the bearings. Drain the coolant at the same time.
Getting the heads off in the truck is a bit tricky, but yes you can do it. Start with - do you have the tools? If you do, chances are you have done enough mechanical work that it is quite doable. The intake is REALLY heavy and needs a good strong effort to get it off. Steve Christ's book - "How to Rebuild Big-Block Ford Engines" is a good step by step.
Start by draining the dirty oil and replace it while you think about what you are going to do, or you will rust the crank and damage the bearings. Drain the coolant at the same time.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,241
Likes: 2
From: Rockville, Ct.
Before you sell it, think back to what the truck was supposed to be for. A father son project. It's not that hard or expensive to pull the intake and heads and see if it is one of those gaskets. If you can't see anything then poke a little further. We will help with advice, tips, and tricks wherever we can. Did you talk with your son about quitting the project?
I'd give an arm to work on my project with my son.
I'd give an arm to work on my project with my son.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 14,255
Likes: 199
From: Phoenix, Az.
2X. That was my 1st thought. But the milky oil is not a good sign.
OP, what happened that started this all of a sudden?
OP, what happened that started this all of a sudden?