I think my tc bit it! And/or my head gasket So here's what happened:

The other night I went for a few errands and it overheated (oddly enough, it hasn't done that before). So I stopped, came back an hour later and it started up, blew some white smoke (eek!) and I got it home. So yesterday I flushed the radiator and replaced the thermostat, I got a bunch of oily looking gunk out of the radiator, and put it back together. The oil in the crankcase is still clean as can be and the level hasn't increased.

So I start it this morning, it starts hard on the third try (also odd, it usually starts fine). I was going to go to work but I was too nervous, went around the block and brought it back. Still some white smoke in a trail behind me and a little clatter sound (timing chain?). No misfires, engine seems to have normal power.

So, I guess I start by taking off the valve cover this weekend and checking the tc. I know I need to do a leakdown test but I don't have the tools for it yet. Man, I've had this truck for like 2 or 3 weeks. What the heck? At least I can still ride the bike!

 

I'd start with a coolant pressure test.

White smoke would normally indicate HG issue. However, I'd also take a flashlight & check to see if your timing chain guides have disintegrated & you've worn a hole between the oil/coolant chambers.

 

Okay, so two things there? Coolant pressure test (how do I do that?) and check the tc. I want to do that as soon as possible and adjust the valves while I'm there.

 

You can get a coolant pressure test kit at Sears for sure, probably at any good parts store, too. You find the end that fits your radiator, remove the cap, & pressurize the system with the pump. Don't be tempted to put too much pressure; stock is less than 10 psi so I wouldn't go much beyond that to find any leaks. You'll hear it gurgling if there's a leak.

Remove the sparks plugs before you start; if it's leaking into the head, you don't want to fill it with water then bend a crank trying to turn it over. When you turn it over, if it's leaked into a cylinder, it will blow water out that hole.

 

Okay, sounds easy enough but I assume I would need an air compressor? I guess I could borrow my neighbor's...

 

No compressor; pump is like a bike pump, included in the kit.

 

I'm going with a hg failure. My 22re did the same thing. You can see the chain and guides if you pull the valve cover.

 

That is sweet candy.

 

Sounds like a HG to me. Normally when the TC wears a hole in the front cover it dumps all the water in the oil. not the oil in the water.
Although if the TC did wear through the front cover. you should probably do the HG too since you over heated it and odds are it'll be bad now as well

Good luck! I hope its not as bad as all that.

 

Yeah, that's why I've been watching my oil level. It's been staying at the same level this whole time so that's a little encouraging.
I figure if I do the timing chain I may as well do the head gasket since I'll be there.