I was driving home from work when my engine overheated. Steam was shooting into the reservoir tank like crazy. Now it doesn't want to start, although it sounds really close to doing so.

Oil looks like it needs an oil change but is not 'milky'.
Oil is WAY high on the dipstick, at least halfway up. (why?)
Cranked it without the radiator cap on and it was gushing out coolant like a geyser
Getting a spark.
Going to do a compression test and pull any codes asap..

Without more information for the time being, any ideas what could be the problem? head gasket??

 

Water pump may have crapped out...

 

Correct me if im wrong, but wouldn't the truck at least turn over even with a faulty water pump?

 

your header claims that the engine cranks (turns over) but won't fire up. yet ^^ you claim it won't turn over (crank/rotate). which is it?

 

oil floats on top of water. the overheating blew something, and filled your crankcase with coolant, raising the apparent level of oil on the dipstick. your dipstick doesn't reach the bottom of the oil pan (where the coolant is now resting), which is why you can only see oil on the stick.

 

Sorry I was just addressing the overheating issue

 

Sorry relatively new to the car world, i appologize for not using the correct language. The engine cranks but wont fire.

 

Gotcha! That seems likely. I believe the overheating started bc i drained my radiator when i replaced my alternator and didn't know i needed to flush air out of the system. learning!

 

I see! good to know this. So something is seriously wrong then? whats my best course of action?
Was hoping it was something small that can be fixed without pulling the engine, but that seems unlikely at this point and ill probably have to drop a rebuilt 22re in it. would you second that?

 

I'd pull the oil drain plug to confirm water in the oil pan...

 

If no water in the oil I'd.....
Change the oil filter and add oil as required. Even cheep oil will cool your engine better than cooked oil.
As for the it almost wants to start....I'd look at the 'cold start injector timer'. As there is no choke in the 22re the timer add extra fuel to get it started.
Heat may have cooked this switch.

Good luck.

 

that's better - it helps us understand the condtions you are working with, and we don't have to guess - you are there; we are not. good info!

 

for sure. only need to open the drain plug a few turns, not remove it completely. if there is water/coolant in the pan, it will come out before the plug is completely out.

 

Yup! Turned the drain plug a few times a few times and sure enough coolant was dripping out.
Whats strange though it is the new antifreeze I had put in after it had broken down.
So it seems that coolant is leaking into the oilpan while the car is off (havent tried starting it either)

Does that give me any sort of confirmation of the problem? Should i order a short block or go for a rebulid? Looking for whatever option that saves me a little $

 

May just have to tear it down and see what you have.?

 

The cylinder head is cracked in one or more cylinders. Happened to a truck my dad bought. Guy ran it with no coolant. Then it wouldn't start at all. It will crack between the intake and exhaust valve. Tume for a new head and gaskets.