head gasket?
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Boston MA
head gasket?
so this morning, i started up the 1970 LS5 Coupe and took it out of the garage so i could pull my dads car in to do an oil change. While it was running, i decided to go for a quick ride. During the ride, I got on the throttle a bit (Not WOT), and out of no where I had a lot of white smoke coming out of the exhaust. The white smoke didn't stop. I was also getting a very distinct smell of "maple syrup". Luckily, I was around the corner from the house when it happened. I am guessing its my head gasket and am basically just looking for some help determining if this is the case. Thanks guys.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
Likes: 201
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Maple syrup season is months away. Park it and try it again tomorrow, if same results it's time to get a close look at the smoke from a qualified mechanic, any mechanic worth his salt will tell you in 1 minute what it is.
I have hear another common cause of this is revving the crap out of close relatives car before it is completely warmed up
I have hear another common cause of this is revving the crap out of close relatives car before it is completely warmed up
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Boston MA
its only been about a week since I started it and drove it last. I do use the car at least once a week. The car was warmed up and up to operating temperature before i took it out. I have never had any problems prior to this incident. Also, never have any issues with it overheating. I have taken it for day trips totally about 200 miles a couple of times. It will be checked out by the mechanic tomorrow morning but was just looking for some advice. I only checked the dipstick for the oil, and it appeared lighter than when i checked it prior to the drive. It did not appear milky or grey in any way.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
so this morning, i started up the 1970 LS5 Coupe and took it out of the garage so i could pull my dads car in to do an oil change. While it was running, i decided to go for a quick ride. During the ride, I got on the throttle a bit (Not WOT), and out of no where I had a lot of white smoke coming out of the exhaust. The white smoke didn't stop. I was also getting a very distinct smell of "maple syrup". Luckily, I was around the corner from the house when it happened. I am guessing its my head gasket and am basically just looking for some help determining if this is the case. Thanks guys.
Scott
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Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Boston MA
i had some time on a break between jobs today and took a look around. Coolant is not discolored in any way, nor is the oil discolored or milky. No hoses appear to have blown off and there are no leaks anywhere. I spoke to my mechanic and he wanted me to try and start it to see if it would happen immediately on the start up. I try to start it and only the starter engages. The engine does not turn over at all at that moment. The battery does not need a jump and is fully charged. feeling like i only have bad luck right now.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 3
From: League City TX
If you blew a head gasket, one of the cylinders is probably full of water, so its hydraulically locked.
Pull the plugs out and water will probably run out of one of the spark plug holes.
That will tell you where the gasket is leaking, and allow the engine to spin freely again.
Pull the plugs out and water will probably run out of one of the spark plug holes.
That will tell you where the gasket is leaking, and allow the engine to spin freely again.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 6
From: Tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '12
If you blew a head gasket, one of the cylinders is probably full of water, so its hydraulically locked.
Pull the plugs out and water will probably run out of one of the spark plug holes.
That will tell you where the gasket is leaking, and allow the engine to spin freely again.
Pull the plugs out and water will probably run out of one of the spark plug holes.
That will tell you where the gasket is leaking, and allow the engine to spin freely again.
Don't try to get it to start until you pull the plugs and see whats in the cylinders. Hydrolock will bend/break things in a hurry.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Boston MA
pulled the plugs after work and found cylinder #1 full. Going to proceed with the head gasket replacement....and of course while taking out the plugs, we started to see some smoke coming from the drivers side. A plastic case around some wires melted. A wire appears to have shorted or something. Will have to take a pic of it for some advice....when it rains, it pours i guess.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 6
From: Tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '12
pulled the plugs after work and found cylinder #1 full. Going to proceed with the head gasket replacement....and of course while taking out the plugs, we started to see some smoke coming from the drivers side. A plastic case around some wires melted. A wire appears to have shorted or something. Will have to take a pic of it for some advice....when it rains, it pours i guess.
