Working on an engine with a buddy that has antifreeze in the oil. The oil looks like runny baby diahrea. Yech. I am almost positive from what I've read that the head gasket has blown. My question is, does this automatically mean an engine rebuild? As we tear it apart, is there anything to look for? It would be nice to just replace the head gaskets, but the motor may need more than that.

if it is head gasket/s ? really depends on how long it ran that way and under what driving conditions.if caught early, change head gaskets and oil/oilfilter. run for about 15 - 30 minutes at about 1500rpm,change oil and filter.oil floats so watch for water as soon as plug is pulled...do this till water is gone.and if your lucky ? that will be the worst of it.but if not lucky?still need to rebuild.this sould take no more than two or three changes. WISH YOU LUCK!

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My68Camaro (http://hometown.aol.com/Dougs68Camaro/index.html)
Doug G.
68 Camaro
406 ci.

[This message has been edited by DOUG G (edited 08-21-2000).]

the intake could have leaked into the valley.

the head bolts could have leaked around the threads, not enough sealer.

There could be a crack in the threads for one of the head bolts.

the head gasket

cracked head usually near the exhaust side of the chamber or between the valve seats-magniflux the heads.

crack in the block.

You are right to carefully check for the reason for the coolant loss. Can you do a leak down test or pressurize the cooling system before tear down? Watch with the valve covers off and see if you can spot leakage.

If you find a rusty head bolt that might be the source. Normally the thread sealer will prevent water from coming up around the shank of the bolt.

If you have to totally go thru the engine, consider a target master option or others.

David

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Check my web page for First Gen Camaro suspension info:
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67 RS 327
69 Camaro Vintage Racer
65 Lola T-70 Can Am Vintage Racer

One of my blocks got a pin hole near the mains. The block had been releived for a 383 and must have had a thin spot. Anyway, the radiator level told my a lot about where the problem was.

Even though the motor was run only for a very short time with the water in the oil (15 minutes), when I rebuilt it, it had marked the rod and main bearings. If your motor has been run, you may or may not just want to put new head gaskets on it. Its your call. I would not.



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Mark
1992 Firebird 355/Six Speed
1991 RS 350 / Blown (As in Broke)
1987 Toyota Pickup 383 / 500 + HP
**How fast is just a matter of how much $$$ **

it takes about 5 min to eat the bearing out change all bearings

Check the gaskets as you take it apart. I did a head gasket for a friend some time ago and by looking at the head gasket it was very obvious how the antifreeze was entering the oil by the marks and stains on the gasket itself. In his particular case thats all it was and ran fine for a long time thereafter until he totalled the car

After getting a little history on this engine (high miles) and looking at the heads and all as we tore it apart, I'm taking Mark's advice and dragging to the machine shop this afternoon for a rebuild. Hopefully, it is just the head gasket and nothing is cracked. Thanks for all of the replies!