| Classic problems (from my classic) Posted by Shawn on April 01, 2005 at 14:26:08:
I think it is getting too hot, but check out these symptoms First this was all brought on while being caught in very muddy, bownsy and slow moving conditions for a few hours. The rocker arms started to rattle, but only under heavy loads of 3k rpm or more. The temp. guage NEVER went over half marker. It started running rough at idle rpm to the point that I had to feather to keep it going. Well, by this point the fear of blown head gaskets and over-heating was all I could think about. Finally we were out of the "stuff" and I went straight to a car wash (4 am). On the 10 mile drive home, the rockers were still rattling when I gave it a quick punch. By the way, the engine compartment did not feel abnormally hot. The next morning I broke out the pressure washer and rinsed off everything including taking off the grill and getting to the radiators. Monday morning I drove it to my shop and on the way I noticed the rockers again. When I arrived, I noticed the coolant reservoir was leaking fluid (too hot). Still the indicator was half way. Now I notice "steam" out the exhaust after it warms up. It's a small amount and stops then turns to a drip out the exhaust after a couple of minutes. 60 deg. F. outside. Obviously I relied too much on the indicator and probably have blown a head gasket. Is it possible the oil got hot from the oil cooler being clogged with mud, but the water stay cool, therefore the temp. indicator did not show hot? Next I tried squeezing the upper radiator hose to feel any pressure and it only pushes the fluid back into the reservoir (warmed-up or cold). I'm trying to diagnose the exact problem in cooling system. Also, why would the indicator not show it getting hot? Last, how can confirm the head gasket or not? Possibly a compression check? I am so bumbed out I screwed up my old girl, not to mention the crushed fender. "Mudding" is definitly something my old truck will not encounter again. Thanks for any suggestions. Shawn
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