Blowing Steam out Exhaust Pipe

[Colonel]

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

[Bulligen]

You could take out the plugs and see which ones are steamed cleaned and you will know which cylinders are affected?

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

Also a compression test. However, the only way to know for certain is to pull the head and look.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

With the plugs out, let it sit awhile & spin it over & see which holes are blowing WATER or MIST.
Bill Selftest

[jm29henry]

Head gasket sounds probable to me

[Synchro909]

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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?

[Tom Wesenberg]

Check head nut torque first.

[George Miller]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

With the plugs out, let it sit awhile & spin it over & see which holes are blowing WATER or MIST.
Bill Selftest

Good idea

[SeaSlugs]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

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.

[burner31]

Steam you say?

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Along with the vapor, IF it DRIPS off the end of the tailpipe, you could sublet it out, as a STILL!---LOL (hic!)
Bill W.

[Art Newland]

See post #7, read it, then do what it says!

[chap52]

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