Big problem, need help fast
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 857
Likes: 0
From: York Pa.
Big problem, need help fast
My step-dad has a '66 w/427. The thing shut off on him tonite and had to be towed home. The unside of the air cleaner lid is covered with condensation. Inside the valve covers is a thick milky white fluid. The dipstick is covered with the same white fluid. The engine was just recently rebuilt so he is going to have that guy look at it. What could be wrong and more importantly, is there anything we should do tonight to prevent anymore damage? I am assuming there is water in the pistons. Should anything be done tonight about that? Any help is greatly appreciated. Not a happy camper, Classic
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 857
Likes: 0
From: York Pa.
Re: Big problem, need help fast (jimduchek)
Yes, he put 500 easy miles on it and then took it back for an oil changes and final adjustments. This was a couple of months ago. Classic
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 459
Likes: 0
Re: Big problem, need help fast (Classicvette63)
Does sound like water. Only ways water can get into an engine are A> driving through HUGE deep puddles and sucking it into the intake, and somehow I doubt he'd have done that ina ' big block!!!, B> head gasket blown and coolant goes into a cylinder or into the oil.. Shouldn't happen on a quality engine build.. C> you got crappy gas w/water in it. Or the gas cap lid didn't seal properly. Or something like that.
Not much you can do. Hopefully the engine builder will be able to help.
Jim
Not much you can do. Hopefully the engine builder will be able to help.
Jim
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,627
Likes: 8
From: Drag racing junkie Va.
Re: Big problem, need help fast (Classicvette63)
Sorry to hear about the problem, either a blown head gasket or even worse a cracked block or head. Hope its just a gasket, :nonod: :( :sad:
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 2
From: Severna Park Md
Re: Big problem, need help fast (Classicvette63)
If the proper thread sealer is not used on the headbolt threads, engine coolant can leak up past the threads and out past the head of the bolt and into the crankcase. This could have made the coolant run low over time. Running with low coolant will eventually cause big problems like overheating and cracked heads or block.
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 459
Likes: 0
Re: Big problem, need help fast (Jvette73)
If the engine had been checked for coolant before the drive, and was empty afterwards (unless it was a very long drive) -- I doubt it was headbolt threads -- that's a fairly low-flow coolant leak. Sounds like a cracked block (hope not, if it's the original engine!!!) or a severely blown out head gasket. Hoping for the best for you and your pops.
Jim
Jim
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,033
Likes: 0
From: Tracy California
St. Jude Donor '05
Re: Big problem, need help fast (Classicvette63)
One other thing to check for is a loose Intake Manifold! water can leak down into the lifter valley if it's not sealed up properly.
Good Luck
KM
Good Luck
KM
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,805
Likes: 36
From: Annapolis MD
Re: Big problem, need help fast (Classicvette63)
If it got enough water in the cylinders to quite running the rods/crank are likely bent (water doesn't compress). Only way to get that much water in would be from a cracked block, as head gaskets usually just allow enough in to get a good cloud of steam.