I'm returning to this topic because I never took action until a couple of days ago. I found oil in my radiator and the assumption was the head gasket. it was recommended I check the spark plugs for a clean plug indicating the presence of coolant. I checked all plugs and they looked basically sooty black. One gent recommended and oil feed line going between the pushrod side to the top of the engine inside the valve cover. I remember seeing that line when the covers were removed. Can anyone speak more to that possible issue and solution. Images of what I experienced, image with box shows shiny copper line is suspect is the topic and dirty engine borrowed image from hamb shows what same line is believe. Any help is greatly appreciated. I have so much to do that an easy fix is preferred over changing head gasket.
Thanks
Michael
Northern Ca
The crud in the radiator doesn't look like oil to me, more like cooling passage debris. Changing a head gasket is FAR easier than replacing the rocker oil tube. If you decide/need to replace it the procedure is outlined in the Shop Manual.
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Crud removed does not look like oil to me either. If oil it should spread out to the paper towel quickly. Like the oil ring under the dip stick. So should water. If fiber or solid it will not leave a ring on the towel. I think the owner should do a clear water flush until the crud is removed and then see what results when the engine is run for a short period of time.
How sweet the roar of a Chevy four
Participant on Chatter since 11/22/2001
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If the coolant and oil are mixing then the oil will look like a milkshake. Drain the oil and see if it resembles a milkshake. If that motor has not been flushed in a long time that might be rust and other contaminants. I agree with above to try flushing it and see what happens.
Hilton, New York
1941 Chevrolet Master Deluxe
1987 Monte Carlo LS
2001 Chrysler Sebring Convertible
Thank you gents now that you all mention it, it reminds me that you all suggested that last time. I think I like doing things the hard way. I suspect the engine has not been flushed in a long time. I did install a new radiator too. I will flush the radiator and engine this time and check afterwards. I assumed(not a good idea) that the junk in the radiator was oil as it was clean prior to restarting after a year passed. A new radiator and sitting for over a year might have introduced some contaminants to the system which would be a pleasant surprise. I will get on this very soon as I want to putt around town this season
Having never flushed a cooling system any suggestions flushing coolant system without coolant going down the drain? I live in California so we can’t allow antifreeze down the drain, it’s toxic.
Good point. This might be the time to let a professional do it. I assume there is equipment available that can do a full recovery flush but it's likely expensive so, as expensive as having a pro do the job is likely to be, it's probably cheaper to farm the job out than buying the equipment yourself for a one time job.
7046 old site posts
Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet
1938 Master Business Coupe
1953 210 Sedan