Ken-
I think it's time to do a leak down check on #1, with a careful eye
on the coolant level after the chamber has been pressurized. maybe it is
just a headgasket, but it might be a cracked head. Does the steam in the
exhaust smell like anti freeze? Sounds like the car was running rich prior
to the problem developing, as #4 usually runs a bit hotter than 2 and 3,
but #1 looks to be in trouble. trying to burn coolant will crack the
ceramic sometimes with the abrupt temp changes and gradients.....
Set the engine to exactly TDC ( #1) put it in 4th and lock the
brakes, block the wheels.. remove plug#1, and pressurize the chamber, 50 psi
should be enough. You can make a decent "adaptor' by hollowing out a
sparkplug, and epoxy in a short length of pipe which can be connected to a
compressed airline. the engine may try to spin a bit as the pressure acts
on the piston, so proceed with care. Observe the coolant level, (Top up the
coolant A/R), and see if the level start to rise. take a close listen to
the exhaust pipe, and remove the F. Aircleaner and listen for any hissing.
( indicates valve problems, but also could be a cracked head ie. between
intake and exhaust valves. like mine did.) Post your results, we'll see
where to go next...
Bob Westerdale
59 3A TS36967E
Yesterday my 1963 TR-4 started to produce large amounts of white/blue smoke
from the exhaust, breather pipe and oil fill cap (when removed). Before the
car was stored about 25 years ago, I installed new liners, pistons and
rings. I am the original owner and I know that the valves were worked on
only once and that was just before the new liners, etc. The car has been
undergoing renovation and has been in daily use for most of the last two
years. It has been using oil but not an unusual amount. There is no oil in
the coolant. Number one plug is spotted white and black and the ceramic is
cracked, numbers two and three are black covered with what first appeared
to be oil but is hard and dry and appears to be carbon and number four is
clean light brown. I suspect that one or more intake and exhaust valves are
gone. Does any one have any suggestions, guesses, opinions, etc.?
Ken von Kluck, CT 20590 L
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