New Head Gasket?

[flyingyahoo]

I am no mechanic but trying to learn. My '87 FJ60 is making a puttering or poping sound when I accelerate. When mataining speed it is barely audible. In addition after running the vehicle I checked the oil and there were lots of bubbles on the dip stick. I was told that this could be an indication of water/oil mixing and that I might nead a new head gasket. Does this sound right? I friend thought it sounded more like a problem with the exhaust manifold. I do not know.

If I have a blown head gasket will a compression check verify that for me?

I have the knowledge to replace starters, alt, smog, PS and have done this. I also have the FSM. Armed with this and possible more questions on this sight would I be able to replace the head gasket myself?

 

[Tvaldriz]

Has your coolant level gone down? Your oil can look "milky" (contaminated with water).

Has your truck ever overheated?


If you have the tools, and the time and the desire, yes, you can
replace the headgasket yourself and if you have the FSM. You can
always ask questions.

Good luck. Buy a star to support the website and post pics as you
go along.

 

[Marc311]

That sounds like a exhaust leak - not a blown head gasket. Typically, you hear an exhaust leak (or hear it more) when the engine is under load - i.e. accelerating.

The bubbles in the oil may be nothing. Now, if it looks grey/cloudy/foamy that is more an indication of coolant mixing with oil. Some bubbles will always be present when checking a warm engine - remember, the crank is splashing the crap out of the oil in your pan so it will make some bubbles - but not foam.

 

[cfdlighthouse]

a compression check can help identify a head gasket leak, however the general conditon of your motor can pose compression issues, bad rigs, bad vales, etc. coolant in oil, oil in the coolant, coolant in the exhaust, coolant leaking from the head gasket area to the outside of the block are also idicators.

 

[flyingyahoo]

Thanks for the help guys.

I am going to do a compression test just to see what happens. My oil is not milky or grey or disclorored at all. This weekend I will start looking at the exhaust. Is it about time to replace anyways.

Just found the silver star thread. Signing up as $20 for the help on this sight would be the best $20 I have spent.

 

[Dave-T]

Sounds like an exhaust leak to me.

If there is a significant amount of water in the oil, it will sink below the oil in the sump. By unscrewing the oil drain plug slightly, you can visualize what comes out.

 

[Norris Marshak]

NB/rookie here. I think the answer to your question can be settled very quickly. If you can take the rig to a cooperative inspection center, the magic wand will tell you decisively if you have hydrocarbons in your coolant and how much. I think this will tell you very accurately what's up. GOOD LUCK.

 

[D'Animal]

The exhaust leak is most generally from the top of the "J" pipe going to you EGR cooler. It is about even with the #6 cylinder on the driverside under the exhaust manifold.

 

[dwillmo]

Blown Head Gasket

I agree with the above. Oil would probably be milky looking if it has water in it and of course, the oil level would be high. If you let it sit long enough, you could pull the plug and the water would run out first. And just remember, bad compression numbers wouldnt necessarily indicate a blown head gasket and vice versa--a head gasket can leak and not affect compression. I think before I spent the money on a compression check--I'd just go get a quick oil change and see what it looks like.