I got a real pain in the *** problem which I hate to have to consult to the internet for but here it goes. As the topic states I have coolant mixing or leaking into my oil. I all ready know that this is usually a headgasket issue but was wondering how likely it was that coolant could or may be seeping into my Intake runner on cylinder #4 where the water bypass hose connects to the coolant passage on the Intake.

I have an newly built LS-Vtec with a B16 head and an OBD1 P30 intake. I've already replaced one headgasket and am currently using a Cometic MLS LS-Vtec gasket. I've torqued the head accordingly @72ftlbs per head stud (Golden Eagle) using ARP moly lube (which believe it or not Golden Eagle recommended when I called to get specs on the installation of the studs).

Back to the problem at hand, has anyone here experienced problems with there intake gaskets causing leaks?




Modified by DC_Legacy at 1:53 AM 4/17/2008

 

Since you've already changed the HG once, i could be the IM gasket, worth a shot id say. If that does not work, then maybe the head or the block are not exactly flat or flush with each other

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by djtsmith007 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Since you've already changed the HG once, i could be the IM gasket, worth a shot id say. If that does not work, then maybe the head or the block are not exactly flat or flush with each other</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah that was what I was wondering. The block was used but had been decked slightly on the surface bringing the piston to deck height from .030 to .0185-.019 .

 

Yeah if that was done, then that could be the problem. Try the IM gasket, take some time and try that, might get lucky.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by djtsmith007 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Yeah if that was done, then that could be the problem. Try the IM gasket, take some time and try that, might get lucky. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Not to ask a stupid question, but do you need to apply any gasket sealant on the gasket surface before installing the IM gasket? Because if you do I didn't see any instructions to do so in the factory manual.

 

No i dont believe you do.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by djtsmith007 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">No i dont believe you do. </TD></TR></TABLE>
I didnt think so either since its a composite gasket. But anyway i rented a radiator pump to prime the cooling system so i could trouble shoot the leak. I pulled off the valve cover to look for any seepage while it was primed at 20psi, but didn't see any signs there. I let the system remain primed for about 5 min then checked the oil plug for any leaks from the block but nothing in my oil pan either.

I can only guess that its leaking into a combustion chamber and then making its way past the piston rings as the motors running. The contamination wasnt that much when i discovered the problem, about a 1/4th -1/3qt of coolant to 4qts of oil Id say.

What do you think?

 

OK, Im getting some where now. I retightened all the coolant fittings then primed the system to 18psi and waited about 20min, looked under the valve cover, nothing. Removed the oil plug and there it was. So i guess its either a cracked block or badly surfaced deck.

Damn now i gotta pull the whole thing out again.

 

Might as well, getting coollant in your oil will jack up your bearings inside the bottom end of the engine as well. Might not be quickly but eventually it'll show. Sorry dude, that really sucks.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Boostin_GSR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Might as well, getting coollant in your oil will jack up your bearings inside the bottom end of the engine as well. Might not be quickly but eventually it'll show. Sorry dude, that really sucks.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah Im not looking forward to tearing it down this time, but the good news is I have another LS block in my garage. It just needs some freshing up but I know it doesnt leak.