how to check for a cracked block?

[Zak]

Since MAR, my P38 has been overheating going up hills or under a heavy load (towing etc). Turning the heat on high and slowing down gets the temp gauge to go back down. Looked in the expansion tank and there was no coolant in there. Filled it up and for a few days it did not leak. But the level keeps going down in the tank. In the past week i've up a gallon of the 50/50 coolant into it. Exhaust does smell a bit worse than usual and is quite humid. My guess is coolant is leaking into the engine somewhere. Not sure if it's a head gasket, blown block or leaking in through the intake. Oil sump does not show signs of coolant. And there is no coolant leaking onto the ground. Oil yes, but no coolant.

Probably a dumb question but what is the easiest way to find where it's leaking into the engine from?

 

[champana]

Change oil and see if it looks milky. Get engine up to temp and camp out under hood looking for steam. No coolant on ground means nothing. Leak could be high and only show under pressure.sounds more like a clog to me. May need new hoses and a good radiator flush. Good luck.

 

[Zak]

Just changed the oil and looked fine. Very very dark but not milky. After I changed the oil just hung out under it looking for steam. Nothing. I think i know where the oil is leaking from and will pull the oil pan off and reseal it.

Heading over to the parts store to pick up some coolant and i'll flush the system.

 

[ptschram]

Pull the heads, you've got a bad head gasket.

Much will become apparent when you get the heads off, whether it's "just" a bad head gasket or a slipped liner, it will be revealed to you only when you disassemble it.

Exact same thing happened to my P38. Sniff, sniff, I loved that truck!

PT

 

[Drillbit]

Exact same thing happened to my P38. Sniff, sniff, I loved that truck!

PT

Did you have to shoot old yeller PT?

 

[NVRover]

Pull the heads, you've got a bad head gasket.

Much will become apparent when you get the heads off, whether it's "just" a bad head gasket or a slipped liner, it will be revealed to you only when you disassemble it.

Exact same thing happened to my P38. Sniff, sniff, I loved that truck!

PT

I hear you, I miss our 97 HSE. It was a PITA, but a nice truck though.

 

[ptschram]

Did you have to shoot old yeller PT?

Cue Bob Weir:
I left his dead ass on the side of the road
Cut Bob Weir:

Left it in PDX and sold it for $200 more than I'd paid for it.