Heres the deal, i called around and to get the head magnafluxed or pressure tested to check for cracks and leaks it cost ~55$ I dont have the leak down cylinder pressure tester which runs from 50 to 80 dollars or the radiator pressure tester.

My question is what are the odds that its the cylinder head or head gasket/intake gasket are defective? I am okay with spending 350 for a new re manufactured guaranteed head and full gasket set if it will fix the problem. I know i could pull the head off and see that the gasket failed but I would still have to take the head in and get it tested, all of that takes time. I would like to order the head b/c it takes 5 business days to get to my house. Time is money and i need the truck running. I would be upset if I replaced the head and gaskets and still had a leak of coolant into my oil. What are the odds of that?

What would you do?

 

Ok number one, did you overheat the engine? If yes, just go ahead and get a new head.

Is it running like crap or is it running not to bad?

The rad pressure tester and compression tester should be free loaner tools at autozone or almost any parts place.

 

I agree that you need to identify the problem, not just throw parts at it.

The correct thing to do is to the pressure test and also a compression test. Is there any indication of water vapor coming out the exhaust? Pull the plugs and look for signs that one cylinder is burning water.

You got to do the leg work to figure out what the problem is and address that, not just take (expensive!) shots in the dark!

 

After doing a radiator pressure test it wouldnt hold 13 lbs for more then about 20 seconds so I decided to yank the head. The plugs on the exhaust side were ashy looking, the other 4 on intake side were ok. I couldnt see anything that jumped out at me like a blown out head gasket, but there are some weak gasket sealing around the piston rings. Im going to take the head in tomorrow and get it magnafluxed for leaks. I Will try to post some photos too.

 

 

runs fine once it warms up. When its cold it starts up but then dies usually runs fine after the 2nd start. I dont think I have ever overheated it but im not sure. I defiantly haven't over heated it recently. The temp gauge always read below N in NORMAL so i replaced temp probe on block but upon replacing thermostat i noticed the thermostat was sitting sideways in the opening. Meaning it was never closing when it was cold. The gauge now works and it went up to the L one day while i had it idling.

 

Bleeding off pressure in 20 seconds would indicate a pretty good leak, I think. But I don't see any smoking gun in those pictures...

 

Still havnt heard from machine shop guess i will find out something Monday.

 

Was wondering if water could leak into oil via intake gasket?

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos..._6673625_n.jpg

There was not alot of water in oil but would always show up on dipstick at the very tip of it. Im hoping the Cylinder head or gasket was the problem. I should of taken some compression readings but forgot before tearing into it. There is no obvious coolant inside the pistons.

Any thoughts?

 

Water can definately leak in through the intake gaskets. Usually it gets sucked in but there are instances where it can mix with the oil such as the Chevy 3.1 fiasco.

Was the truck smoking a lot?

 

Not to much smoke just in the morning when warming up. It would have the white exhaust.

 

To tell you the truth, everything you've said sounds normal. A bit of white smoke on startup is usually condensation in the exhaust system and a lil bit of water on the dipstick/filler cap is normal. Especially during the winter with it being easier for condensation to occur.

If the head comes back fine, well at least youll have a freshened up top end.