2001 SOHC - Have I blown a Head gasket?

[Team Chepsk8]

Hi all!

A newbie here, and my trusty steed has finally developed a problem I cannot fix.

It just started the usual lean codes, 174, bucking, missing, no power, and generally unhappy. I have already replaced the vacuum elbow, so thaty is not at fault. Recently changed the fuel filter too.

It just started to emit a steamy smoke from under the hood when it acts up, as well as sending out a 304 misfire code. The smoke has a smell of combined anti-freeze and electrical odor. It also has anti-freeze on the chassis on the driver's side of the truck, and the smoke both comes from there, and by the intake manifold.

The truck has 142,000 miles, and has had no major problems or repairs, just good service intervals. I did do the spark plugs and wires a couple of years ago too.

Any ideas? I do have an appointment with the dealer Wed, and have a large tube of KY ready.....

Thanks!

Dan

 

[waskly]

did you check for leaks sounds like some coolant is leaking onto the exhaust manifold causing the smoke.

p0304 is cylinder 4 missfire.

 

[bdmaash]

Hi all!

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Any ideas? I do have an appointment with the dealer Wed, and have a large tube of KY ready.....

Thanks!

Dan

I think you got it covered!

 

[Team Chepsk8]

did you check for leaks sounds like some coolant is leaking onto the exhaust manifold causing the smoke.

p0304 is cylinder 4 missfire.

I checked, the coolant seems under the manifold, but have yet to crawl under. Dry up top.

Yes, on the 304, already checked wires, tapped (ok, banged) the injector, and various surface checks. It is a missfire, I was thinking injector, but the smoke has me baffled. :roll:

 

[ncranchero]

Be sure it not a leaking lower thermostat housing since you said it's under the intake.

 

[Team Chepsk8]

From what I can tell, that area is dry. It does seep on occasion, but not like the truck suddenly strarted doing.

 

[Team Chepsk8]

Did some work on it this afternoon. checked the spark plug wires, changed the plug in #4, air filter, and looked at things visually. Ran it for a bit, still misses, but no smoke.

I pull off the wire at the coil pack for #4, no change in motor, but I am getting a spark, so I think it's an injector?

But no idea on the smoke......

 

[Team Chepsk8]

Turns out two problems at the same time.

1. - Miss - I was able to figure out the fuel injector was not firing, hence the miss. All ignition tests were good. Replaced the injector, it's good now.

2. - The smoke is another comon problem I have found out. The inferior plastic thermostat housing/assembly is leaking, and replacing an internal O-ring has brought that down to a minimal problem, but still seeps. From what I understand, only replacing everything will fix that problem.