Hi David. Interesting problem that leads to some
questions and comments.
1- Is there visible smoke from the car? If the oil
consumption is not really visible, I'd not worry about
it. A quart every 500 miles is not usually visible
from the tailpipe and is much cheaper than an engine
rebuild.
2- Water and soot from the tailpipe is normal to an
extent, ie, condensation will form in the exhaust
system and drip when the car is first run. If it's
continuous while running you have a definite problem.
3- Regarding the radiator, can you see bubbles in the
water? That is an indication of blown headgasket. If
no bubbles and the water level is not going down, I'd
not jump to the conculsion of a bad head gasket.
General comments. It is quite possible to pull the
intake manifolds, heads and replace the head gaskets
at home. It will take some help to lift the heads and
do yourself a favor and pull the hood first. It is
also possible to do a hone and re-ring job with the
block in the car. Somewhat painful but I and lots of
others have done it. Pull the heads, drop the pan,
disconnect the rod caps and push the pistons out the
top. Hone the cylinders, clean the bores well,
reinsert the pistons and put in new bearings and
seals. No big deal. How much you can do is dependent
on what needs doing. If the ridge at the top of the
bore is minor, a rering might do the trick.
If you have visible smoke at startup only, it is valve
seals and guides. The seals can be replaced without
pulling the heads. Another email can explain if you
decide to go that route.
Ok, now for the controversial part. I do not like
visible smoke even at startup, also don't like low oil
pressure. My solution? 50W Valoline non-detergent
oil. In MY EXPERIENCE, multigrade, detergent oils
will cause visible smoke while single higher weight
non-detergent oils will not. I've done this for 35
years. The ONLY problem I've seen is in VERY cold
temperatures it is a little slower cranking.
If you determine you don't have air in the radiator,
I'd put the heavier oil in it and see how it does.
Regards
Kerryp
50 Crown, 54 Custom, 57,61s, 64, 68 convert, 73 Imps
--- ChickDJC@xxxxxxx wrote:
> I need advice from the engine folks. My 54 Custom
> Imperial (331 Hemi) is
> running just fine...but bad symptoms are just
> starting to occur (original
> miles 90k). There is black, wet (as in water) soot
> coming from the exhaust
> pipes. And, there is oil in the radiator. My
> assumption: bad head gasket.
> Also, the car burns a bit too much oil for my taste.
>
>
> So, here is the question: What is the most and least
> I can do in my garage on
> my own (without pulling the engine, and without
> getting a machine shop
> involved or a costly mechanic)?
>
> For example: Pulling the heads should not be a
> problem. And therefore
> redoing the head gasket should not be a problem
> either, right? Should I have
> any work done on the heads with them off?
>
> Okay, what about the engine burning too much oil?
> Sounds like the rings,
> right? What type of piston/ring work can be done on
> a car without pulling
> the engine?
>
> What other advice do you have for me? I am being
> too cheap...and should pull
> the engine and have the thing re-bored, honed, new
> pistons, rings etc.?
>
> You advice is most appreciated.
>
> David
> 54 Imperial
>
>
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