Leaky Head Gaskets
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,429
Likes: 0
From: Where all good things come to die. Detroit
Leaky Head Gaskets
Hey everyone,
On the '86, I have always had oil leak from the heads onto the exaust manifold. This creates a beautiful blue cloud everytime i start up. Since my engine has been running so poorly, some of my car buddies brought up that I should replace it. Could a head gasket be my problems? Should I repleace it?
Medic
On the '86, I have always had oil leak from the heads onto the exaust manifold. This creates a beautiful blue cloud everytime i start up. Since my engine has been running so poorly, some of my car buddies brought up that I should replace it. Could a head gasket be my problems? Should I repleace it?
Medic
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
More than likely leaky valve cover gaskets. If you have a blown head gasket you'll experience more than a little smoke-poor performance, coolant in oil, high temps. You can do a compression test-or, a leak down test, but you'll need a compressor for the leak down test.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
Likes: 9
From: Louisiana
Make sure and check if the oil is coming from the valve cover. If they need replacing bad enough they will leak pretty good. Not a hard job to do. Get back with us after you take a second look.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,429
Likes: 0
From: Where all good things come to die. Detroit
I am not sure where I am looking totally, but I am sure that when I look at my engine block, near the spark plugs everything is covered in a light oil film. If you move your finger across, you pick up alot. What do leaky valve covers do? Any engine problems created because of it?
Medic
Medic
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
As above - there's no oil being sealed up by the head gaskets (or if there is, you need to look at your rings). Valve Covers are more probable - do check the PCV hose and rubber grommet too - or the front or the rear of the intake manifold.
Last edited by SunCr; May 1, 2006 at 08:02 PM.
