Radiator Fluid on Engine Block
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Farmington Hills MI
Re: Radiator Fluid on Engine Block (csc67)
I'm unable to see the picture you posted, but I may be able to give you some insight. Most C4s, I think '86 and newer, have cast iron block and an aluminum intake manifold. RTV silicone type sealant sealant is used between them. The block and intake manifold expand and contract from heat at different rates due to the different materials. Over time the seal can break and you'll find coolant and oil on your block. This might be your problem?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: Radiator Fluid on Engine Block (csc67)
If coolant is pooled on the intake galley, then you have a defective intake manifold (injection manifold) gasket which is common. Replace with a Fel-Pro teflon coated gasket and you won't see that problem ever again. Coolant flows through the intake manifold and leaks onto the galley when the gaskets splits.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 539
Likes: 4
From: Rochester, NY
Re: Radiator Fluid on Engine Block (jfb)
Thanks for the reply...Question: where you able to view the picture I posted ??
Any idea of what the cost is to replace this gasket ?? If I wanted to tackle the issue myself, what is the difficulty level ?? Thanks
[Modified by csc67, 11:27 AM 10/15/2001]
Any idea of what the cost is to replace this gasket ?? If I wanted to tackle the issue myself, what is the difficulty level ?? Thanks
[Modified by csc67, 11:27 AM 10/15/2001]
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 539
Likes: 4
From: Rochester, NY
Re: (scorp508)
I'll give that a try...Any ideas for radiator fluid by the intake...If you say replace the gasket, what would the pain level be for a novice or $$ at a dealership?? If I continue to drive the car in this condition, will it injure the motor in any way. Thanks
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
Re: (csc67)
There was a nice article in Tech Tips about this- I did mine last year, after I had watched it for about a year- but then it dawned on me that as the gasket continues to fail, I could mix the oil with antifreeze....... it's a pretty straightforward R&R, though you have to peel off all the induction stuff- took a long weekend.
I especially liked the tip about dimpling the gasket mating surface- I wound up using the supplied rubber endcap gaskets for the manifold, with a little sealer, and they were actually difficult to remove when I had to go back in- thanks, Lars!
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Advanced
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Newport News Va
Re: (csc67)
Before you replace that gasket.....there is a small hose on the passenger side towards the rear of the engine that is about 1 foot long, and fairly narrow. Mine was leaking onto the top of the engine block in the area that you all have been describing, in the little "valleys" around the injectors. I was freaking out because I didn't have the money at the time to get the gasket replaced, nor the time to do it myself....upon closer look the hose I just described wasn't tightly secured to the port it goes into.......I'll try to describe it better if you can't find what I'm talking about, but you might want to check it out.