[obengston]

I have a SBC 383, that seems to drink water fast. I can run 10 miles, and will have to put at least 1-2 quarts of water into the radiator everytime. Its a aluminum radiator and heads. Fairly new engine. I don't see any water leaking any where, and don't see any water in the oil. Any suggestions. Thinking maybe a head gasket leaking into the exhaust side, but I don't see water coming out the pipe.

Oscar

 

[onovakind67]

Do you have an overflow can?

 

[obengston]

Yes, one of the small platic ones..

 

[Icemans_67]

I have a SBC 383, that seems to drink water fast. I can run 10 miles, and will have to put at least 1-2 quarts of water into the radiator everytime. Its a aluminum radiator and heads. Fairly new engine. I don't see any water leaking any where, and don't see any water in the oil. Any suggestions. Thinking maybe a head gasket leaking into the exhaust side, but I don't see water coming out the pipe.

Oscar

Check the color of your plugs yet? If going into the combustion process, the cylinder getting the water will have a different color plug.

 

[Everett#2390]

Either a small hole in the reservior or, leaky head gasket.
As suggested, check for the cleanest spark plug eletrodes - leaky cylinder.

 

[DOUG G]

either a small hole in the reservior or, leaky head gasket.
As suggested, check for the cleanest spark plug eletrodes - leaky cylinder.

x 2

 

[mahunt]

I had a similar situation with my iron block and aluminum head engine. Hope you don't let your car sit for long periods of time.

Swap out your head gaskets for the Mr. Gasket grafoil version.

 

[obengston]

Thanks for the replies. I was thinking maybe a head gasket. It runs really well, but my plugs are pretty clean not much coloring at all on them...

 

[Everett#2390]

Another troubleshooting aid, pull the plugs and inject through the spark plug hole, with a piston at TDC, valves closed, shop air into the cylinder and check radiator for bubbles. Repeat seven more times.

 

[Steiner]

If the impeller seal on the back of the water pump is loose or the gasket is bad, it'll only leak when hot and under pressure. It'll make you scratch your head since it won't leave any on the driveway when you start it up, just blow it out going down the road.

 

[Steptoe]

If plugs are clean on a cyclinder then get a hydrocarbon test on the radiator..most work shop do it for free...takes minutes including getting the unit, using, clean liquid, and hang on the wall again.

And if head gasket...make sure you get the head skimed...never ..never simply replace a gasket..it will come back and kick u in the butt.

 

[srode]

If it's a head gasket leaking you should smell the antifreeze behind the car - especially at the rates you are talking.

 

[inntyme]

Are you putting straight water into the radiator? That could be your problem. 2 quarts in 10 miles is a lot of fluid to be losing, if it was your head gasket you should be able to smell it in the exhaust or see white smoke.

 

[obengston]

I have antifreeze in it. I have'nt noticed any smell from the exhaust or seen anything. I will re-check it. Its just that if it were leaking from the front somewhere you would think I would some some sign of that. I see no drips or wetness, but have noticed the chrome areas have specs on them so thats a sign of liquid flying. I think I will start with my overflow tank (I checked it last night and it was dry), Also pulled the valve covers the oil on the heads looked clean and water free. The valve cover itself had a small amaout of condensation, but not much.

 

[Everett#2390]

Also pulled the valve covers the oil on the heads looked clean and water free. The valve cover itself had a small amaout of condensation, but not much.

With East Coast temps, should be no condensation.

Check water pump weep hole for signs of leakage under the pulley.
Also, as another suggested, a steam leak would be hard to find as coolant evaporates, but, it will leave a white crusty trail.

 

[inntyme]

Just throwing this out there.... Heater Core?????

 

[obengston]

I just did a pressure test on the radiator 26psi for 5 min in that time it was almost down 1 psi. I noticed a small drip at the heater hose fixed that then noticed a small leak inside where the heater core area is. So I will disconnect the hose tommorrow. Again it seems to be a really small drip and the pressure on the radiator held. I did turn the engine over while the pressure was on the radiator and it still held.

 

[Everett#2390]

A steamy defrost confirms a leaky core. So does pulling back the carpet to see if floorboard is wet.

 

[alanrw]

If the core was leaking that much, wouldn't the inside of the car resemble a pond? Hopefully, it is the heater hose itself, pretty easy fix.



alan

 

[Steiner]

If the core was leaking that much, wouldn't the inside of the car resemble a pond? Hopefully, it is the heater hose itself, pretty easy fix.



alan

Not if it's like mine.....it would run out all the holes in the floor before it had a chance to soak in. :hurray: