blown head gasket maybe
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More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 683
Likes: 6
From: North Georgia
blown head gasket maybe
I was wondering if my 351w has a blown gasket on account of alot of white smoke and water at tail pipe. I have read old posts suggesting looking at spark plugs. What exactly will I be looking for when I pull them to look at them. And another odd thing that is going on is the temp guage will not go past the n and the heater wont blow hot, just warm. I have replaced the thermostat with a 195 put in a new heater core, and cleaned out all debris in heater assembly. I would think a blown head gasket would cause the truck to over heat not run to cool. Also one other thing the system does not build up any pressure. Maybe a radiator cap?? Any suggestions??
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I agree that a misbehaving thermostat could cause all the symptoms *except
for* the white smoke and water at the tail pipe.
Here is a good general guide for engine diagnosis via the spark plugs:
Spark Plug Diagnosis
Have you been monitoring the level of coolant in the cooling system? If coolant
is making its way into the combustion chambers, the level in the cooling system
will drop and the spark plugs will have whitish-brownish deposits on them. Is
there coolant in your oil/oil in your coolant? If the above are OK, then I suspect
the white smoke and dripping tail pipe are the result of the atmospheric
conditions (weather) - mine does that sometimes, too.
If the spark plug & coolant issues seem OK, then I concur with the others and
your thermostat could be at fault.
for* the white smoke and water at the tail pipe.
Here is a good general guide for engine diagnosis via the spark plugs:
Spark Plug Diagnosis
Have you been monitoring the level of coolant in the cooling system? If coolant
is making its way into the combustion chambers, the level in the cooling system
will drop and the spark plugs will have whitish-brownish deposits on them. Is
there coolant in your oil/oil in your coolant? If the above are OK, then I suspect
the white smoke and dripping tail pipe are the result of the atmospheric
conditions (weather) - mine does that sometimes, too.
If the spark plug & coolant issues seem OK, then I concur with the others and
your thermostat could be at fault.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,437
Likes: 4
From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
I was dismissing the white smoke to cold weather, if it was a head gasket it would be building pressure in the rad (assuming the rad cap works), losing coolant, and most likely running hot or overheating. A block test would be a good test.. Store Locator | NAPA Online
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Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
A block test would be a good test.. Store Locator | NAPA Online
to the dye that can be put in engine oil (for example) that fluoresces under a
black light....?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,437
Likes: 4
From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
You lower the coolant level in the rad, put the cone shaped end of the tool in the rad and pump the bulb. It draws air through the fluid and if there is combustion gases in the rad it turns the liquid from blue to green, or yellow if its real bad. I have one and it works well
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More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 683
Likes: 6
From: North Georgia
update
I did some tinkering today on the bronco. I had alot of air to purge out of the system due to the new heater core and thermostat install added about 1/2 gallon of fluid to the system. I am using anitfreeze. I got the truck to heat up and had real good heat blowing out the vents. I took it for a 10 to 12 mile ride at highway speed and what I discovered is it will cool down so much at highway speeds (2000 to 3000 rpms) It will only blow slightly warm air. I am thinking maybe the clutch fan is to blame any suggestions. What is the correct way to test a clutch fan?? First time I have had a problem like this with all the cars/trucks I have had over the years It was usually the opposite. thanks for the help. Scott.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,429
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From: patricia ab canada
we have high humidity here and my truck blows white smoke and drips water.I sujested the colling flush because if there is crap at the bottom of the rad, restrickting flow it will cause it to over heat.white smoke can be caused from the bad vacuume modulater.the engine could be burning trans fluid.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,635
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From: Niceville, FL.
With the engine off, the fan blade should turn easily by hand with some drag due to the viscous coupling. If it is locked up tight then it's bad. You could remove the fan blade and drive the truck for several miles at highway speed. At over about 35 mph the airflow through the radiator is plenty to keep the engine at normal operating temperature without the blade. That's primarily why fan clutches are used. If it runs at normal temp without the blade then you know the clutch is not releasing properly.
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 683
Likes: 6
From: North Georgia
ok I have a update on my bronco not heating up. It will heat up as long as you are idleing. As soon as you get up to highway speed it cools down to below the c and there is no heat. I have checked the fan and it seems to be in working order.I added a new cap to the radiator and it is building pressure now but still just not right. I am out of ideas on this situation. I am pretty sure it doesn't have a blown head gasket it just runs to good for that. Any Ideas on what to do now??