Something is burning
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Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Sewell NJ
Something is burning
I've been reading this forum for a year now and this is my first post. Incidentally, you guys are really super! I just wish I knew 1/100th of what many of you know.
Wife blew me away with an 86 iron head a few years ago for our 20th anniversary. It was very neglected but I finally got that Vette I have wanted since I was a kid so I have been giving it some of the TLC it deserves. As with you guys, I don't have a wad to throw at it, it's more a project of love (don't tell my wife I said that).
I have done a number of projects but have a bunch more to go. Right now I am focusing on a smell. When the engine gets hot I smell something burning. I have a power steering leak but that's not it. It smells like burning radiator fluid. Sure enough, I recently found a deposit of greenish fluid under the EGR pipe on top of the head. It looks like there are burnt deposits in there as well.
My questions is can I assume the leak is coming from what looks like the (heater?) hose right next to the EGR pipe? If so can I just replace it or are there bigger concerns. I can't find anything in the Clymer shop manual on it but I figured you guys would know. Please tell me it's a cheap fix!
Wife blew me away with an 86 iron head a few years ago for our 20th anniversary. It was very neglected but I finally got that Vette I have wanted since I was a kid so I have been giving it some of the TLC it deserves. As with you guys, I don't have a wad to throw at it, it's more a project of love (don't tell my wife I said that).
I have done a number of projects but have a bunch more to go. Right now I am focusing on a smell. When the engine gets hot I smell something burning. I have a power steering leak but that's not it. It smells like burning radiator fluid. Sure enough, I recently found a deposit of greenish fluid under the EGR pipe on top of the head. It looks like there are burnt deposits in there as well.
My questions is can I assume the leak is coming from what looks like the (heater?) hose right next to the EGR pipe? If so can I just replace it or are there bigger concerns. I can't find anything in the Clymer shop manual on it but I figured you guys would know. Please tell me it's a cheap fix!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
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From: Dublin CA
leak
Mine is an 85, but I have helped a friend with his 86. The 86 has a "T" that comes off the heater hose and goes to the intake next to the distributor. Where it enters the intake it is a metal tube that has been flared and has a screw fitting that screws into the intake. Dry this area off real good then start the car. You will probably find coolant coming from this fitting. If so, try tightening the fitting. There is nothing else back in this area with coolant on top of the intake. The only other areas that coolant would come from are at the front of the engine and they would have to work their way back .... you would find a trail of coolant leading back.
Let us know what you find.
Let us know what you find.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: The reason time exists is so everything doesn't happen at once
Originally Posted by Dave B
I can't find anything in the Clymer shop manual on it but I figured you guys would know. Please tell me it's a cheap fix!
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Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Sewell NJ
Originally Posted by John A. Marker
Mine is an 85, but I have helped a friend with his 86. The 86 has a "T" that comes off the heater hose and goes to the intake next to the distributor. Where it enters the intake it is a metal tube that has been flared and has a screw fitting that screws into the intake. Dry this area off real good then start the car. You will probably find coolant coming from this fitting. If so, try tightening the fitting. There is nothing else back in this area with coolant on top of the intake. The only other areas that coolant would come from are at the front of the engine and they would have to work their way back .... you would find a trail of coolant leading back.
Let us know what you find.
Let us know what you find.
Can I just replace it? I assume a parts store will have that type of hose I need. Do I need to worry about radiator fluid discharge when I disconnect or anything else?
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Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Sewell NJ
Originally Posted by jrzvette
I'm not familiar with this and don't know how complete it is. I suggest you get the Helms service manual specifically for you 86. Probably the best investment you can make.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
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From: Dublin CA
Dave, you should be able to get the hose at most auto parts stores. It just has to be able to handle hot fluids. I would let the engine cool off and get ready to do a FAST switch. You will lose some fluid, but not too much.
GOOD LUCK
GOOD LUCK
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 72
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From: Sewell NJ
Originally Posted by John A. Marker
Dave, you should be able to get the hose at most auto parts stores. It just has to be able to handle hot fluids. I would let the engine cool off and get ready to do a FAST switch. You will lose some fluid, but not too much.
GOOD LUCK
GOOD LUCK
Did it - worked! If there is anything I've learned it's that a percieved simple repair probably means I'm about to screw something up. I wanted to check with the experts to make sure the solution wasn't more difficult than I thought. This one was easy. Thanks for your help! On to the next project!
