Did I just blow a head gasket?

[ocala]

Here's the story,

My SES light has come on and off intermittently for the last two days. I also noticed what seemed to be less power. Also a strange exhaust smell now and then.

So today, I get in the car and when I go to start it - KLUNK, tried three times, each time - KLUNK. I could tell that the starter was engaging properly, with torque. NOT a battery issue.

On the fourth time the engine started. Sounded OK but very slightly rough, like possibly a cylinder misfiring.

After it started, I quickly saw A LOT of whitish steamy smoke coming out of the exhaust. More than I have ever seen before.

I gently pulled it back in the garage and shut it down. Drove my F250 to work and here I am.

So does this sound like a blown head gasket?

[95Chwagon]

I think you answered your own question. Any amount of white smoke isn't a good thing. Another sure sign is losing coolant or rising temperature.

Is it both exhaust pipes? If it is only one, at least you only need to rework one side. Hopefully you caught it soon enough before you warped the heads.

[ocala]

I have what is like a Y pipe, exhaust goes from two to one 5" and back to two. I guess I could pull the exhaust and see which side...

[ocala]

Originally Posted by 95Chwagon

I think you answered your own question. Any amount of white smoke isn't a good thing. Another sure sign is losing coolant or rising temperature.

Is it both exhaust pipes? If it is only one, at least you only need to rework one side. Hopefully you caught it soon enough before you warped the heads.

Regarding catching it before it warped the heads, could this be why the car wouldn't turn over the first three times?

There was NO overheating. I think the water level is OK, but I won't know untill I get home.

[KW Baraka]

Originally Posted by ocala

Regarding catching it before it warped the heads, could this be why the car wouldn't turn over the first three times?.......

Probably didn't start because you had coolent in the combustion chambers of the head that blew the gasket.....of coolent in the cylinder(s) on that bank.

You're lucky you have the steam coming out the exhaust.....I broke three starters (those KLUNKS can be killer ) before we determined that I had a blown head gasket.....never had (or at least, noticed) the white exhaust like you did.

Good luck!!

KW

[Barbarossa]

[infomanSS]

Yep, I think that you blew a head gasket. Pulling the spark plugs should show which bank needs to be fixed.

On the bright side, it's a great opportunity to upgrade cam / heads / rockers / etc.

Good luck!

[ocala]

Originally Posted by infomanss

on the bright side, it's a great opportunity to upgrade cam / heads / rockers / etc. :d

good luck!

just what i was thinking:d

[luckydriver]

i blew one last year driving and didnt know it..my temp gauge was broken and only after it shut dont did i realize oops...

funny thing is it was towed home and started right up and i was able to drive it up the driveway (tow guy coudlnt get up the hill)

we took out a plug and watched the stuff pour out..soup everywhere..not fun

also cooked all the oil and heard a noise on the lower end of the motor so decided on a rebuild

i have a new ATK engine now and i'm very happy and just rebuilt the tranny 2 weeks ago i have a brand new car!

[ocala]

Originally Posted by luckydriver

i blew one last year driving and didnt know it..my temp gauge was broken and only after it shut dont did i realize oops...

funny thing is it was towed home and started right up and i was able to drive it up the driveway (tow guy coudlnt get up the hill)

we took out a plug and watched the stuff pour out..soup everywhere..not fun

also cooked all the oil and heard a noise on the lower end of the motor so decided on a rebuild

i have a new ATK engine now and i'm very happy and just rebuilt the tranny 2 weeks ago i have a brand new car!

What is an ATK engine? Thanks