Head Gasket?

70ChargeDodger · Feb 15, 2021

Hi Folks,
I have a suspected blown head gasket on my #'s 318.
I was getting stumbling, misfires and loss of power.
Coolant was low, then bubbling when topped up, also it isn't green anymore, also my oil level has suddenly gone up...
So, I am in Toronto, Canada and can't take the heads off until the temp goes up (working outside).
Is it ok to leave it as is for another month or two or should I do an oil change and drain the coolant?
Also, when I do the head gasket can I reuse the head and intake bolts?
Thanks for your help.

69Bee · Feb 15, 2021

Drain the oil, knock a freeze plug sideways on each side of the block so when the water freezes, it won't crack the block. Yes, the bolts can be reused. The best way to cock a freeze plug is to use a flat tip screwdriver or prybar. If either punches a hole in the plug, it will be ok. You will replace them when the weather warms up. And, before anyone says to just remove the water drain pipe plugs, nine times out of ten, they are plugged by corrosion, and wont drain anyway.

70ChargeDodger · Feb 15, 2021

69Bee said:
Drain the oil, knock a freeze plug sideways on each side of the block so when the water freezes, it won't crack the block. Yes, the bolts can be reused. The best way to cock a freeze plug is to use a flat tip screwdriver or prybar. If either punches a hole in the plug, it will be ok. You will replace them when the weather warms up. And, before anyone says to just remove the water drain pipe plugs, nine times out of ten, they are plugged by corrosion, and wont drain anyway.

Thanks for the response, I run antifreeze coolant not water (Canada) so don't think it will freeze. So, oil change and drain/refill coolant? How about some oil in the cylinders?

moparvinson · Feb 15, 2021

Make sure your plugs are dry and that you don't have a cylinder full of antifreeze. My son's had a bunch in one cylinder.

69Bee · Feb 15, 2021

I didn't mean to imply straight water, but coolant mix. A few squirts of oil in the cylinders to coat the cylinder walls and rings. Also helps make sure there is no coolant in there. I would wait to fill the oil up until you change the head gaskets. Hate for any residual coolant to migrate to the new oil in the pan and contaminate it.

BeepBeepRR · Feb 15, 2021

Drain the block, of coolant and oil, pull the spark plugs, turn engine over until you see no mist. It wont hurt it to spin it over a few times to get the coolant out. The mist would be coolant sitting in the cylinder bore and you need to spin the engine over to blow it all out of the spark plug hole. That way you don't have coolant sitting on top of the pistons and rings.

Nate S · Feb 15, 2021

If the antifreeze won’t freeze, just leave it until spring. There’s nothing that’s going to happen in a couple months. The anti-corrosion stuff in the antifreeze will keep it from rusting anything else, especially when cold.

Head Gasket?

70ChargeDodger

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69Bee

FBBO Gold Member

70ChargeDodger

Well-Known Member

moparvinson

Well-Known Member

69Bee

FBBO Gold Member

BeepBeepRR

Well-Known Member

Nate S

Well-Known Member

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