Just bought a Chevy

[Pat Kelly]

Bad freeze plug?

[Pat Kelly]

look here:

http://www.cliffordperformance.net/

[audijunky]

Didn't look while running, but right after I did. I also saw some dripping near the middle of the block, looked to be coming from behind some small bolted on plates on the passenger side. I dont know for sure, I ll take some pics this weekend and post them. I really dont have time right now to dig into it trying to ge the bike up right now. Thanks for all the help. Hopefully the pics might beable to help some of you experts help me get this truck in better shape. I really appreciate your assistance. Thanks

[audijunky]

Awesome site Pat, Thanks I still need to figure out what size motor it is though. I am slacking
In the words of the infamous Jack Bauer "THERES NOT ENOUGH TIME!!!!"

[John]

The bolted on plates are the lifter covers, and the size is either 250 CU or 292 CU. You would have to have someone up there look at it to tell what size it truly is. There shouldn't be any coolant leaking from that area, there aren't any freeze plugs on that side of the engine, I don't believe. It may be leaking out from the head gasket, and trickling down on that side of the block, or may be a freeze plug on the back side of the head is leaking. I haven't worked a GM inline six in many, many years now. Where I work everything is Ford powered.

[TopCatGr58]

I had a freeze plug rust thru on an engine once, could be that?
Or worse case scenario, the head gasket? IF the engine's gotten overheated, and has an aluminum head, good chance of warping, and eventually leaking?

You'll want to find what it is and fix it soon, cause if it is the headgasket, it could eventually leak inwards into the piston cylinder, and could cause lots more damage, like Hydrolocking the engine! DAMHIKIJD ! ! !

Swmbo's 94 Corsica with 4 cylinder WITH AC, was leaking lightly, but was middle of summer, my car did not have AC, she has severe heat intolerance, could not use mine. So....was trying to wait until it got a bit cooler before tearing it down for several days! SWMBO started it, drove it to work. Went out to start it to come home, it turned over 1 rev or so and Kachunk! Bent piston rods!

Ended up having to spend a few $K for a whole replacement engine, plus $$ for car rental while work being done!! Very expensive lesson!
T.C.

[audijunky]

Well that only took me half a year, but finally took some pics yesterday. I need help identifying this motor. these numbers are on the passenger side of the block in the direction from cab to bumper 00N E1190 473483 I also was hoping you guys could point me in the right direction to getting the leak fixed. I think the smoke is coming from coolant dripping on the header.
here are some pics







this one is the driver side

[xsilerating]

I'm no expert by any stretch, however, if you're sure that it's coolant and NOT oil, then, since all hoses in the immediate area appear to be dry, my guess would be the 'head gasket'.

If so, then best to heed the previous comments/warnings.

[Crazcnuk]

I only have all the casting numbers for Chevy V-8s from 1955-1993. Will see what I can find.

The inline 6 is a fairly bullet proof engine. IT is ideal for any number of upgrades, especially fuel economy wise. I've seen mild 300cuin 6's at over 300hp with 4bbl carbs, Offy intakes and headers. The 6 produces decent torque down low.

Head gasket change on those is a breeze. Lots of room to work, easy to get at.

My only issue with them was they all seemed to come with a 3 on the tree transmission!

[Crazcnuk]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrol...aight-6_engine


Some info...

[mro]

audiGunky

from the pics, a little Gunk might help.


mro

[panshovel]

Have you tried to pressurize the system? Try this with engine cold, and then warm. Are you smelling the coolant as burnt or fresh? Is there abnormal amount of condensation coming out of the exhaust pipe(sure sign of head gasket)? I cant see where coloant is leaking from pics, but do see plenty of oil leaks,for those change the gaskets. did you check the rotor(distributor) for spider web burns in it , ohm out the plug wires. Good luck
Dave

[audijunky]

Audigunky thats pretty good.
Yes it is filthy, So the consensus is change the gaskets. Head, valve cover, and those side covers?
Pretyy sure it is coolant. I remember seeing a green watery dropet running down the side of the block. After running it for a while some whitish smoke/steam comes from the header/firewall area. I cant see where it is coming from exactly, but it doesn't smell like oil burning. smells like coolant. Anybody know a place to get a gasket kit? that would be cool

[audijunky]

Thanks for the advice panshovel, how do you do a pressure test?
I'll check the distributor next.

[trbig]

I agree with MRO.

Get a can of Gunk engine cleaner and use it, let it sit, then wash it off. Do that a couple times, then you can actually see what/where you're dealing with. If anything, it will help the engine run cooler. Inline 6's are notorious for getting hot at the inner two cylinders anyway. That layer of crud just acts like insulation and keeps the heat in.