Thread: ok, second go 'round with 350 - need diagnosis-please he;p

Tweet

early 1970's sbc350 with replaced hei distributor seated in a 68 chevy c10-not original engine and unknown mileage.

Q jet 4 barrel carb that in known good (Off my 55 belair)

edelrbock performer intake (installed by previous owner)

PO said it has a mild cam........unknown further info on cam.

I can only start it using starter fluid, and have to keep spraying fliud in her til she gets a little warmed up. then runs on its own. Once warmed up she runs smooth, will idle with no issues.

It is pushing white smoke out of both exhausts (true dual exhaust)

New plugs, cap, rotor, wires, fuel pump, fuel filter, fresh fuel.......

I am buying a compression tester this weekend and will check the cylinder pressure.

Bad head gasket? Intake gasket? both?

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Robb

White smoke means bad head gaskets usually. Both sides at the same time? Might mean coolant getting into an intake passage.

In any event, you'll need to remove the intake and cyl. heads searching for bad gaskets (hopefully not a cracked casting!) Did it have antifreeze in it during this freeze cycle recently?

Yes coolant/antifreeze looked pretty decent.

Safe to say rip her apart and replace head/intake gaskets?

check fuel for water

Rent a coolant pressure tester from autozone, orilyes, etc. They give your $ back upon return.

Follow the directions it comes with. Any leak down without a visible fluid leak would help tell
its head gasket(s) or intake gasket(s).
Listen intently for hiss // gurgle in suspect areas.

Good luck

PS
You can also use it to test the radiator cap-- I would do that too.