What are some signs of a blown head gasket?
My car is heating up but my radiator is staying cool...but there is whitish misty smoke coming out from under my valve covers..both of them...I know I've asked this question before...and i'm gonna change the water pump, just wondering if it's head gaskets or not...

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1989 Olds Camaro RS 307
400 tranny
Just startin on this one

1995 Red T-Top Camaro
3.73 Gear
Flomaster Cat Back
Accel 8.8 Wires
Bosch Platinum Plugs
K&N F.I.P.K.
Killer Cerwin Vega Sound System
Sony Xplode Head Unit

 

Depends on where the head gasket may be blown.

Cylinder pressure is greater than coolent system pressure so if it's between those 2, the rad will have lots of bubbles in it while the engine is running.

If it's between coolent and oil return holes then the rad level will be low and the oil level will be high.

If it's between the cylinder and the oil return holes then you'll hear or feel compression coming out the valve cover breathers or dipstick tube. Also a good sign for burnt pistons or bad rings (or bad sign depending on if it's your car or not)

If the rad is cool and the engine is hot then you have a coolent flow problem. Try checking the thermostat first. It may be stuck in the almost closed position.

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Follow my racing progress on Stephen's racing page
and check out the race car

87 IROC-Z Pro ET Bracket Race Car
383 stroker (carbed) with double hump cast iron heads and pump gas
461 Big Block installed and ready for the 2001 racing season

Best results before the 383 blew up
Best ET on a time slip: 11.857 altitude corrected to 11.163
Best MPH on a time slip: 117.87 altitude corrected to 126.10
Altitude corrected rear wheel HP based on power to weight ratio: 476.5
Best 60 foot: 1.662

Racing at 3500 feet elevation but most race days it's over 5000 feet density altitude!
Member of the Calgary Drag Racing Association

87 IROC bracket car, 91 454SS daily driver, 95 Homebuilt Harley

[This message has been edited by Stephen 87 IROC (edited May 01, 2001).]

 

I just replaced the thermostat last week. So next on the list I am guessing is my Water pump??

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1989 Olds Camaro RS 307
400 tranny
Just startin on this one

1995 Red T-Top Camaro
3.73 Gear
Flomaster Cat Back
Accel 8.8 Wires
Bosch Platinum Plugs
K&N F.I.P.K.
Killer Cerwin Vega Sound System
Sony Xplode Head Unit