Cooling Discuss all of the aspects of cooling that you can think of! Radiators, transmissions, electric fans, etc.

which gasket is blown? 1987 IROC

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 8, 2018 | 11:40 AM
  #1  
sbrandon's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Kansas
Car: 1987 IROC, 1988 IROC
Engine: Both 350 CI
Transmission: Autos
which gasket is blown? 1987 IROC

I just got my 1987 IROC back last night after a year of being restored (painted, rust removed, etc.). When it was started and rolled off the trailer, I did not notice anything (it was only started for less than 1 minute). I did notice a small pool of anti-freeze when I moved it into the garage. Then I started it today and let it warm up and it started steaming like crazy. I really don't know much about this kind of thing. The oil looks good (not milky at all). I am wondering if anybody might be able to guess on which gasket might be the issue based on what you are seeing in the video:

I am pretty frustrated to get the thing back and have to deal with this, especially considering the amount of money I spent. I just hope the block is not cracked. It is the original 350 and I had planned to rebuild it when it crapped out.

UPDATE: It was actually the heater control valve that failed. A common problem and easy to fix.

Last edited by sbrandon; Mar 30, 2019 at 08:11 AM.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2018 | 11:53 AM
  #2  
DynoDave43's Avatar
Supreme Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,807
Likes: 905
From: MICHIGAN
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: L03
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt 2.73 Open
Re: which gasket is blown? 1987 IROC



The hoses with arrows, and the round black plastic valve, and a few hoses that can't be seen underneath all carry coolant for your heater core. I'd start by inspecting them for leaks. Get right in there...run your hands over the length of them (when the engine cools).
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2018 | 01:43 PM
  #3  
sbrandon's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Kansas
Car: 1987 IROC, 1988 IROC
Engine: Both 350 CI
Transmission: Autos
Re: which gasket is blown? 1987 IROC

Thanks, I will try that. If it is a hose leaking, it is leaking right near the back of the valve cover. To make things stranger, I went back out to the car, started it up again to really let it warm up, and it steamed like this until the car got to about 200 degrees, and then it stopped steaming. Plenty of fluid in the radiator. I am guessing something might have swelled shut? No idea at this point. I might try to get some better video of the spot I see it dripping around.
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2018 | 09:59 AM
  #4  
GeneralDisorder's Avatar
Supreme Member
5 Year Member
Liked
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,255
Likes: 427
From: Portland, OR
Car: 86 Imponte Ruiner 450GT, 91 Formula
Engine: 350 Vortec, FIRST TPI, 325 RWHP
Transmission: 700R4 3000 stall.
Axle/Gears: 9 Bolt Torsen 3.70
Re: which gasket is blown? 1987 IROC

Probably intake manifold gaskets. If it's not a hose.

GD
Reply
Old Dec 17, 2018 | 06:57 PM
  #5  
Tootie Pang's Avatar
Supreme Member
15 Year Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,972
Likes: 127
From: Los Angeles
Car: 1989 IROC Convertible
Engine: 350 TPI L98
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: which gasket is blown? 1987 IROC

Probably a hose
Reply
Old Dec 18, 2018 | 08:33 PM
  #6  
84 1LE's Avatar
Supreme Member
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 6,644
Likes: 403
From: Oyth
Car: 89RS vert
Engine: Erod
Transmission: 4L65e
Axle/Gears: BW, 3.27
Re: which gasket is blown? 1987 IROC

Id say its the hard lines down by the passenger frame rail.You can kinda see steam down there, plus there is steam coming out from the fender side of the blower fan.
Reply
Old Dec 22, 2018 | 12:14 AM
  #7  
charlie6178's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 321
Likes: 18
From: Portland Or.
Car: 1992 Z28 1LE
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: SLP dana 44 3.92
Re: which gasket is blown? 1987 IROC

Pressure test the cooling system cold
Reply
Old Dec 22, 2018 | 04:39 PM
  #8  
TylerSteez's Avatar
Supreme Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,493
Likes: 98
From: CT
Car: 86 Trans Am WS6
Engine: 383 stroker
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 9 Bolt Torsen 3.70
Re: which gasket is blown? 1987 IROC

my guess is it's leaking at the coupling where the heater hose enters the firewall.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
tsmash
Tech / General Engine
8
Mar 31, 2012 12:50 AM
qwik86iroc
Power Adders
5
Mar 7, 2005 02:17 PM
ZaphodB
Tech / General Engine
15
Apr 4, 2004 03:42 PM
mark406
Pacific Northwest Region
3
Jan 15, 2002 04:14 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:07 PM.