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Old 05-13-2018, 06:26 PM   #1
Colonel
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Default Blowing Steam out Exhaust Pipe

Yesterday my very reliable 31 tudor was difficult to start and noticed after the car warmed up a lot of steam coming out of the exhaust pipe. See a drop in level in radiator. No water in oil pan so far.


Presume it is the head gasket has failed but what other checks can I make before I start on pulling the head?


Thanks
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Old 05-13-2018, 06:37 PM   #2
Bulligen
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Default Re: Blowing Steam out Exhaust Pipe

You could take out the plugs and see which ones are steamed cleaned and you will know which cylinders are affected?
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Old 05-13-2018, 07:56 PM   #3
Chuck Sea/Tac
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Default Re: Blowing Steam out Exhaust Pipe

Also a compression test. However, the only way to know for certain is to pull the head and look.
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Old 05-13-2018, 08:01 PM   #4
BILL WILLIAMSON
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Default Re: Blowing Steam out Exhaust Pipe

With the plugs out, let it sit awhile & spin it over & see which holes are blowing WATER or MIST.
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Old 05-13-2018, 09:01 PM   #5
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Default Re: Blowing Steam out Exhaust Pipe

Head gasket sounds probable to me
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Old 05-13-2018, 09:56 PM   #6
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Default Re: Blowing Steam out Exhaust Pipe

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Yup, head gasket is the most likely, I think. Next would come a cracked block or cracked head. I've even seen rust from the water jacket go right through the block and open a hole into the inlet manifold. Boy, did that one blow steam!
Time to whip the head off it and take a look. How long is it since you checked the tension on the head studs?
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Old 05-14-2018, 12:24 AM   #7
Tom Wesenberg
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Default Re: Blowing Steam out Exhaust Pipe

Check head nut torque first.
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Old 05-14-2018, 06:57 AM   #8
George Miller
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Default Re: Blowing Steam out Exhaust Pipe

Quote:
Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON View Post
With the plugs out, let it sit awhile & spin it over & see which holes are blowing WATER or MIST.
Bill Selftest
Good idea
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Old 05-14-2018, 07:04 AM   #9
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Default Re: Blowing Steam out Exhaust Pipe

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg View Post
Check head nut torque first.
I second this idea, then I would run a compression and leakdown test. Will help pinpoint what cylinder(s) are affected in case it is a crack.
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Old 05-15-2018, 01:17 PM   #10
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Default Re: Blowing Steam out Exhaust Pipe

Steam you say?
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Old 05-15-2018, 10:25 PM   #11
BILL WILLIAMSON
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Default Re: Blowing Steam out Exhaust Pipe

Along with the vapor, IF it DRIPS off the end of the tailpipe, you could sublet it out, as a STILL!---LOL (hic!)
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Old 05-15-2018, 10:52 PM   #12
Art Newland
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Default Re: Blowing Steam out Exhaust Pipe

See post #7, read it, then do what it says!
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Old 05-16-2018, 07:29 AM   #13
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Default Re: Blowing Steam out Exhaust Pipe

Would be great if a little bolt tightening would solve the issue. Sure worth a try.
Let us know, thanks, Chap
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