Well, its over a done with. For the longest while i've had a small radiator leak, but since I couldnt afford to fix it, ive just been toting around gallons of pre-diluted coolant and motor oil in my car, topping them off every 50 miles or so. As a matter of fact, I was gonna buy a new radiator in a few weeks.

But today, as I was driving back from the city, about a mile and a half from my house, something went dead wrong. A little steam was spouting from the small crack in my radiator, as usual, but the radiator was full. Well I guess the leak suddenly got alot worse, because out of nowhere the amount of steam coming from underneath the hood got alot worse, and then, WHOOMP, humongous plumes of smoke coming from my exhaust. I set her down at the local TLC parking lot and shut her off. Let her cool for a bit, started it back up.. seemed to run okay, except if I try to drive it anywhere I hear an AWFUL grinding noise coming from somewhere in the engine. Maybe its not the engine.. maybe my tranny blew? I dunno, I havent looked at it yet.

But anyways, I really cant afford to get it fixed, but I need a new car soon because I work 12 miles from where I live, and my poor Camaro isnt gonna last the trip. I dont know whats wrong, but i've decided to cut my losses and get what I can for it.

All I can say is, I will be in the drivers seat of another Camaro.. someday. Only next time it will be LT1 powered

R.I.P 92 RS Camaro, 3.1 MFI, 5 Speed, T-Tops. I'll miss it.

 

Sorry to hear that man! That really sux.... I hope you get another Camaro or ThirdGen someday!! LT1.... Ahhhh.... Drool all over keyboard.... that's just SWEET!! Keep us updated on what you find out is wrong.... Good luck gettin another Camaro!!

 

man sorry to hear about that one.....no disrespect but what are you gonna do with it, cuz i would love to convert mine to a 5 speed

 

Bummer, man... you might be able to get more for it trying to sell it locally as a parts car then you would from a junkyard. And there's always a 3.1/3.1 swap... or if your area is hard up for 3.1 motors, you could downgrade and do a 3.1/2.8 swap just to keep you driving. Good luck!

 

Excellent news!

My motor isnt in bad as shape as I thought it would be! Apparantly my radiator went belly up and thats what caused all the smoke. After it sat for a few hours, I walked back to it, and it started up fine, so I drove it to work. Granted, it started acting up once it got hot, but it seems to be okay.

I GET TO KEEP IT! WAHOO!

Im picking up a new radiator this saturday

I have a question though.. what should I look for as far as damaged components go? Since its been running so hot, should I have a compression check done, to check for damaged valves? Could any sensors have blown?

Thanks in advance.

 

if it was runnin high temps and you were gettin white smoke out the tail pipe you may have burned up a head gassket.

GLad to hear you dont have to trash your camaro!

 

no, see, I dont think the smoke was coming out of my exhaust.

Because when I drove it to work today, it only steemed a little bit from the rad, nothing comes out of my pipe.

And wouldnt a car with a blown head gasket run a little worse than what mine was? I swear it was running perfect after it cooled

I think the radiator literally blew, and gallons upon gallons of vaporated coolant poored out somewhere and went underneath my car. I noticed alot of spilled coolant underneath the car after it set for a while.. maybe the drain plug blew?

I dont know, all I know is I get to keep my baby

 

You know, even if your motor does eventually blow.. considering the options your car has.. you may just want to keep it for a motor swap. After all it is a T-TOP, and a 5-speed!

 

I came SOOO close to buying a 4 bolt 350 core, but I decided I wasnt ready for the financial commitment.. someday though

 

Find a 3.4 to swap in.
You have a sweet package.
Yes, many would enjoy your options of 5-speed & T Top.
Really find a 3.4 or buy a new 3.4 crate for the $1800 & install it.
Keep your ride.
Radiators?
So easy.
All V-8 car radiators are the best option. LARGER & fit as easy as the V-6 size
Look for dirty water leaks on side of the radiator ya pull.
Broken plastic ends.
Look inside cap for dirt, too.
Look down inside also for signs of dirt, too.
To remove simple tools
HACK SAW
10mm wrench.
Take off the top 4 10mm bolts.
Hack saw thru all connections to rad (hoses & metal lines)
Removal time should be about 3 minutes or so.
Serious.
I pay $30 for my radiators from the yard.
Mine was a recent replacment in a wrecking yard car.
ALSO look for signs of new water pump & hoses.
Sure signs of a car trying to be saved before it went to yard.
When my lower rad hose fell off cause I didn't secure it well enough (during radiator fixing), I lost my 2.8 that way.
Meaning-
That's why I have the 3.4 in there now.

 

Check your oil- make sure it doesn't look like a milkshake. If so then you have a leaky head gasket and are mixing coolant into the crankcase oil.