Today I noticed that my coolant in the overflow was lower than it was last night. When I checked my oil (I don't know why I checked it), the level was about four inches above the full line. When I start the engine, there is a loud squeal which lasts for maybe two or three minutes then quits. The engine runs great, no sputters or anything. It also doesn't overheat. There's no white smoke from the exhaust, either.

My thoughts:

1. There's a hole in the water jacket in the block. The reason for this thought - no white smoke and the coolant level falls even when the engine isn't running.

2. Blown head gasket. This is a hope rather than a real thought because it's easier to fix.

3. Cracked head. See #2 above.

I did a few things before this was noticed - installed new temp sending unit, pressure washed engine (not steam), installed new thermostat and gasket.

Any ideas? (This may be a good reason to build a 383).

Thanks for your input.

 

Couple of thoughts:
Maybe the press washer injected some water into the crankcase.
Intake gasket may be the problem.
Cracked intake,, maybe.

I'd first make real sure you have coolant leaking into the oil before tearing anything apart needlessly.
Drain the oil. If you see green coming out first then yeah, you got problems. If it's just water (I'm assuming you have aintifrreze in your coolant sys), then the press washer may have blown out an intake seal and let water in.


Also, if the coolant was hot when you looked at it last night, It would be normal to find the recovery tank a little lower in the morning, since the radiator will suck some in when it cools off.

 

the other "nicer" thought of what it could be would be the intake gaskets... they can leak coolent into the valley and that leads to the pan...

 

Whatever it is, don't run the engine until it's fixed - water/coolant isn't the best lubricant for bearings.

Pete

 

Intake gaskets can cause that problem. I just rebuilt a 355 and didn't tighten down the intake to spec and I got antifreeze in my oil. My first thought was a cracked head or block. Luckly, I replace the intake gaskets and that solved my problem. The second time around I did not use the rubber gaskets for the front and rear of the intake. I just used gasket sealer. Now I have an oil leak in the rear of the intake...So, I'm doing it again.
Good luck and I hope it is that simple...
Scott