Little exhaust smoke

Test for combustion gases in radiator negative. Cooling system pressure test indicates a very slow minimal loss of pressure. Maybe a needle with over 10 minutes. I'm not sure if this indicates a blown head gasket or what. I guess the fact that there is oil in the radiator shows some sort of problem. I did put an 8oz bottle of KSeal in it when it was reassembled 1,000 miles ago but it sure seems like oil to me. It doesn't overheat Natalya at 180* all day long. There is no indication of poor running at all.
 
Is it possible to get oil in the coolant where the combination water pump,timing cover meets the block. I saw a small amount of oil looking after I removed the alternator
 
347GT said:
Is it possible to get oil in the coolant where the combination water pump,timing cover meets the block. I saw a small amount of oil looking after I removed the alternator
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Possibly. I would look for a cracked cover. I feel like there would be more water in the block than oil in the radiator tho. Just based on a few things. More water in the engine than oil. Cooling system is under pressure (the whole system). Oil is only under pressure at the supply (cam and crank journals, lifters/pushrods)

Possibilities:

Head gaskets
Intake gaskets
Timing cover cracked/gasket
Cracked head
Cracked block

Anything outside of those (and even some of those) would seem to be odd. I dont really think that you have a cracked block or head, you would probably have noticed it already but its possible.

Your head gaskets checked out with the leakdown and compression test. I have seen head gaskets be faulty but still pass a coolant pressure test/compression test. Its one of the "when the planets align" scenarios.

Intake probably isnt leaking or you would have water in the block moreso than oil in the radiator.

Timing cover cracked is a toss up. They are so crappy that I wouldnt be surprised if it was, but I dont see that giving you the symptoms that you are describing.
 
I know you said your oil cooler is seperate from the radiator. What trans are you running? Auto? are you using the radiator cooling lines? Are you 100% sure its oil and not trans fluid, assuming its auto
 
Assuming you don't have any oil cooler, not even a cooler that might be on the drivers side with the OPSU screwed into it... I'm going to guess one or both of the head gaskets were put on incorrectly.
 
Beigg said:
Assuming you don't have any oil cooler, not even a cooler that might be on the drivers side with the OPSU screwed into it... I'm going to guess one or both of the head gaskets were put on incorrectly.
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I can see someone sliding a head around on it and denting/tearing one (assuming head studs were not used) but I feel like there would be more signs/symptoms.


347GT, when you take the engine apart, CAREFULLY pull each head off so you can examine each head gasket for cracks/tears etc. Try to post some pics too.
 
Well today I started pulling accessories etc off. When I pulled the alternator I saw oil an oil Leak at the timing cover to block. All of the bolts holding the water pump were very loose. As soon as I touched the first bolt coolant poured out. Either they weren't torqued enough or all loosened. They were all barely over finger tight. Almost the entire top of the cover gasket was soaked. I'm hoping this is my problem. I will finish pulling the pump/cover in the morning. I will inspect the gaskets and cover for cracks. Any tricks to sealing this up. Loctite? Permetex? Thanks all for the advice so far.
 
I use a gasket and permatex. I like to coat all of the bolts in sealant too. Loctite might not be a good idea due to the nature of the crappy front cover design and the bolts wanting to seize in them.
 
347GT said:
Test for combustion gases in radiator negative. Cooling system pressure test indicates a very slow minimal loss of pressure. Maybe a needle with over 10 minutes. I'm not sure if this indicates a blown head gasket or what. I guess the fact that there is oil in the radiator shows some sort of problem. I did put an 8oz bottle of KSeal in it when it was reassembled 1,000 miles ago but it sure seems like oil to me. It doesn't overheat Natalya at 180* all day long. There is no indication of poor running at all.
Click to expand...

347GT said:
Well today I started pulling accessories etc off. When I pulled the alternator I saw oil an oil Leak at the timing cover to block. All of the bolts holding the water pump were very loose. As soon as I touched the first bolt coolant poured out. Either they weren't torqued enough or all loosened. They were all barely over finger tight. Almost the entire top of the cover gasket was soaked. I'm hoping this is my problem. I will finish pulling the pump/cover in the morning. I will inspect the gaskets and cover for cracks. Any tricks to sealing this up. Loctite? Permetex? Thanks all for the advice so far.
Click to expand...

With the description of how the cover was, the cooling system pressure/leakdown test has me confused with your current findings.
 
It lost pressure about 1/2 psi over 30 minutes. Yeah, it doesn't seem likely that the amount of oil in the coolant could get in thru the waterpump , probably head gasket. I'll find out today.
 
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