I changed my oil and checked my fluids tonight. The coolant in the radiator was low (about 4 inches below the top). I have noticed coolant being low in my radiator prior to this night, however, I always thought it was due to a leaky heater core since my passenger side carpet was always wet. I replaced the heater core 5 months ago and figured that had solved the problem. Well tonight I noticed coolant is definetly in my engine oil after draining it into the pan.

I'm leaning towards a blown Head gasket?
I also checked my tailpipes and there is a thick amount of a black wet grime within.

A few questions:
1. If I do need head gaskets, should I also throw in valve seals while the engine is dismantled?
2. If this problem has been going on for say 6 months at least what are the terms of damage?
3. How much will that set me back in terms of price at a shop?
4. If I did do the project myself, what would be the average length of time to complete it?

The 305 TBI has 172,XXX miles.

Thanks,
Matt

 

More likely it's the intake manifold.

If it's the head gaskets, you likely have other problems, such as cracked heads.

But, it could be just the head gaskets. If you haven't done this type of work before, but have general mechanical knowledge & skill along with the proper tools, you're probably looking at a week of evenings and perhaps a good part of a weekend.

 

What would be the best way to proceed. Start with the manifold? Do you think it could be cracked or maybe it would just need a gasket?

Thanks,
Matt

 

I would definately try replacing the intake gaskets first.

 

Compression and leak-down test and then a coolant pressure test would be where I would start.

 

Yeah Red Devil is on the right track, do a compression / leakdown test to check if its the headgasket. If that checks out good its probably the intake gaskets. But dont go replacing things before trying to test it out, might replace the wrong thing and be right back where you started!