Does this leak look like a problem?

It doesn't appear to have progressed any in the last couple years. A mechanic said it was fine then.

If it hasn't progressed, and is not wet, then it is probably more than likely a stain and not a leak.

Although it is in a precarious spot, right near the coolant passage. Actually could just be some seapage from the valve cover.
I wouldn't worry about it if I saw that on my car.

Hey, could you use one of those new foam filters that's deteriorated on your solenoid.
I'll mail you an extra I have if you want it.

My LIM gasket seeps a bit in that area. I notice it more during cold weather. coolant level is unchanged though. I think I'll change it in the Spring.

Rickw wrote:

If it hasn't progressed, and is not wet, then it is probably more than likely a stain and not a leak.

I don't think it's wet. It looks old (and is old). I'm paranoid that the Dexcool is going to take out my gaskets before it's convenient to change them.

Quote :

Hey, could you use one of those new foam filters that's deteriorated on your solenoid.
I'll mail you an extra I have if you want it.

I'm not turning down a freebie I don't know where the solenoid is or what condition the filter is in though. Still got some learnin' to do.

In that pic you posted, look above the red circle.
There is a deteriorated and half eaten foam filter that it designed to filter the air going into that switch.
Do You See It.??????
It has left that tube open and exposed.!!!!!
I forget the proper name for it at the moment.
Mark (Eldo), sent me 2, I'm willing to mail you one if you want.

Jack the R wrote:

Rickw wrote:

Hey, could you use one of those new foam filters that's deteriorated on your solenoid. I'll mail you an extra I have if you want it.

I'm not turning down a freebie
I don't know where the solenoid is or what condition the filter is in though. Still got some learnin' to do.

He's referring to the Boost Control Solenoid valve, which has a delicate foam filter on one of its ports, right where it gets destroyed when you change the thermostat... The torn filter is in your photo, right above your red circles.

There we are in stereo again, Rick!

This is getting Bizarre.!!!!!!!

JR,
I'll mail the foam filter soon.
Still have all info on file. I think.?
Rick

Jack the R wrote:

I'm paranoid that the Dexcool is going to take out my gaskets before it's convenient to change them.

it's a slow process, you'll know about it before you get stranded, as long as you check your fluids regularly. The gaskets don't fail catastrophically or suddenly.

Damn, I see what you guys are talking about now! How could I have missed it?

May be the work of my mouse friends again. The top of my engine is covered in acorn shells.

How can cars be designed this way?

deekster_caddy wrote:

Jack the R wrote:

I'm paranoid that the Dexcool is going to take out my gaskets before it's convenient to change them.

it's a slow process, you'll know about it before you get stranded, as long as you check your fluids regularly. The gaskets don't fail catastrophically or suddenly.

Well, that's a relief. Thanks for the tip.

The little sponge filter has been missing from mine for maybe 150k miles. No problems so far.

To see if your LIM gasket is bad, check your spark plugs. If coolant is weeping into the cylinders, it will leave deposits on your plug electrodes. If plugs look good, I wouldn't worry too much. Or it could be oil from the valve cover gaskets. An easy fix, but probably not worth getting excited over.

I don't think there's a problem with the plugs, but I'll check.

The leak is dry, like I thought.

I pulled a spark plug -



I've noticed the exhaust is awfully strong smelling - maybe running 104's with no mods has caught up with me?

Prior to doing any Mod's on my car and trying to run AL 104's was not worth doing. The plugs got lightly fouled relatively quick.
I changed back to a stock heat range AC Delco plug until I finally finished the current mod's.
I don't recommend changing the heat range on your plugs unless the engine requires it.
I knew better, but tried anyway when I was due a plug change. Didn't run them for more than 3,000 miles before I switched back to stock.
After installing the 3.4" pulley, which was the last thing I did, then I changed plugs. They were burning clean the last time i checked, which was about 1,000 miles after install.
Now that you mention it I'm due to check them again, it's just too cold out right now.
I'll wait until ambient gets over freezing then I'll pull a front and a rear to inspect them.

What do the plugs need to be torqued down to?

I don't know what the manual calls out for a specific torque.

But I just have my right arm calibrated once a year and it seems to work good for me.

Maybe someone else knows the correct torque per the FSM ?

Jack the R wrote:

What do the plugs need to be torqued down to?

They are tapered seat plugs. 1/16 of a turn past hand tight. Most people over tighten them. I think it is something like 15 ft. lbs, but I would never put a torque wrench on plugs. It just isn't necessary.

Btw, my leak is external only. It never drips. It's just wet below the corner of the intake.

I just looked in the FSM. 11 ft lbs. My 1970 Chassis manual says 15 ft lbs. Same type of plug, tapered seat.

Quote :

I pulled a spark plug -

4 of mine are always clean. Cylinders 2 and 6 get deposits from the LIM leaking coolant. It's not too bad, and I've been meaning to fix it, but the problem doesn't seem to be getting any worse for now, so I have been changing my oil every 2500 miles until spring.

AA wrote:

4 of mine are always clean. Cylinders 2 and 6 get deposits from the LIM leaking coolant. It's not too bad, and I've been meaning to fix it, but the problem doesn't seem to be getting any worse for now, so I have been changing my oil every 2500 miles until spring.

Aaron, do you know if that is typical by any chance.?
I mean is it usually #2 and #6 that show an internally leaking LIM gasket.?
If so, then it would make sense for me to pull only those plugs when I do a plug check.

I'm not sure. I know it's been typical on mine for over a year.

I took out the easy plug by the leak - is that six?

That's #5.