350 TBI head gaskets ?

[Suprzuk]

Hey there guys....looks to me like my 87 1 ton has a head gasket gone. It is eating coolant and the exhaust has that sweet smell to it. Misses at lower RPMs but throws you into the seat at higher. Just wondering if anybody has any tips on this before I start into it this week. What other gaskets am I going to need to dig into this and can I reuse the head bolts or should I go with new?

TIA

Kevin

[rockdawg]

As far as gaskets go ;
head gaskets
intake Manifold gasket set(should include valve cover,water neck, dist. and tbi gaskets)

I dont think head bolts were an issue untill 1996 so you should be ok on those.

If I remember correctly there was a sealing problem with the intakes on those motors, so you might get lucky and it not be the head gasket.

If it is the head gasket check the head with a straight edge and a feeler gauge to make sure it is not warped.
As long as your not overheating and blowing tons of white smoke out the exhaust you should be ok though.

Do a Google search for torque bolt pattern and #'s if you dont have a service manual to get the spec's.
Thats all I can think of for now.

[Suprzuk]

I am trying to think through this...if it is just the intake would that cause it to suck coolant? I guess I'll have to pull the plugs and check compression then to be sure. I have the Haynes manual for this truck so I should be all set on torque patterns. I did check and I don't see any sign of water in the oil so I guess that is a good sign.

Thanks
Kevin

[badzook]

Kevin,
A compression test is ok but a cylinder leakdown test is much more specific. It will isolate the leak and show it's approximate location.. If you pressure up each cylinder at TDC and have air enetering the cooling system you know it is a head gasket or cracked head and can isolate it to the specific cylinder involved. . You can buy a leakdown gauge set at NAPA for reasonable cost. Just follow the directions that come with it. You will need compressed air to power it up...

If you do pull the heads it is a good idea to have a good machine shop check the heads for warpage and cracks. It's not too expensive and worth the effort. A crack in the head is not always easily spotted by the naked eye..

Keep us posted :wtg:

[ROCKREADYXJ]

Kevin,
If you pressure up each cylinder at TDC and have air enetering the cooling system



Just make sure its on the compression stroke the exgaust stroke the intake overlaps and will be open for a bit after the exgaust valve closes. The best way is to watch the rocker arms with the cover off and spark plug out. then watch the rocker arm close the intake valve and with your finger over the plug hole feel the air presure build and the go from there the piston does not have to be perfectly to the top as much as you need the valves closed.

With the symptoms you described I would say its almost safe to assume its a head gasket.