Head Gasket Blues

[uberhahn]

fluid level

how did you drain the fluid to start with? Did you get all of it out? it's very likely that there was additional fluid still in the block.

whenever I've tried to purge air, I squeezed the upper rad hose (like priming a pump).

has your water level dropped after the warm-up/smoke?

How does your oil look?

Leading questions...

 

[browndog]

I drained the fluids as prescribed in the FSM (pull radiator plug and block plug).
I also drained the oil, but I'm sure you are right--there is still fluid in there. I am following Doug's advice to run cheap oil in right after and then replace with good oil in a week or so.

I really hope this is the issue because I can't afford the time to tear it back down again.

 

[browndog]

Finally some good news!

I fired it up this morning to let it run for a while and monitor smoke levels, bubbles in coolant reserve, temps, etc. After about 5 minutes the smoke dissipated, temps were steady, no bubbles, so I took her for a spin. The quick spin turned into a nice long drive at 60 mph with no issues. Temps are steady, fluid levels steady, no smoke.

I think I'll be in wait and see mode for a while but am cautiously optimistic that all is well again. I'm going to take her for a longer spin and then change the oil again.

I learned a lot from this project, most importantly to take your time and try to work through it logically rather than getting anxious about all the "what ifs". I also learned just how little I know about cars, but I'm learning (much of it from you guys).

If this is indeed the end of my head gasket saga I'd like to thank all the folks who gave me advice and support. This forum is a great source of information and its members are unparalleled. If any of you pass through Bend, Oregon give me a call and I'll buy you a beer

 

[Driley]

Great news!!! You have had enough drama with this project!

Let me know when you want to do the cosmetic stuff (sorry I was not much help with the mechanical stuff).

to you!

Riley

 

[Ruadhrigh]

Congrats!


I know how you are feeling right now. Relieved that it is done but a little bit worried that it isn't. To help with the anxiety I bought a scanguage and monitor it for all my trips. Since my rebuild my truck has been running extremely cool. 190 has been my max and that was on a 9 hour road trip.

 

[Beowulf]

Swapped in a new VAM and it fired right up.

OK, I'll bite. What is a VAM?

-B-

 

[browndog]

VAM/VAFM=Volume Air Flow Meter or something like that. Replaced by the MAF on 95 and up model years.

Break it and your car is parked until you fix it. I got lucky and found a used one locally.

 

[Beowulf]

We generally refer to those as AFM for 90-94 and MAF on 95-97.

-B-

 

[Riad]

Cool! I was going to suggest earlier that you should just drive off the smoke. That's what I did. I had lots of carb cleaner in the block and intake so I went for a spin (with the hood off ). At one point I couldn't see nothing in my rear view mirror it was that smoky. By the time I got back in the garage, all smoke was gone.

Anyway, well done