As the title states, I recently changed my head gasket ('99 420a). I spent hours and hours researching, posting my questions to the forums, and buying all the recommended parts*. I got everything back together and started the car.
It started great and idle was very smooth. It was rough before the head gasket change but I think that was just because the throttle body was full of oil. The car was sitting in a heated shop at about 55* and nothing visible was coming out of exhaust pipe. After about three minutes, vapor came out nearly as bad as before I changed the head gasket.
The smoke continued. I couldn't clearly tell if it was white or blue. It seemed like a pale blue but the shop walls are white so it's deceiving. Since the repair, the engine has been running for a total of 40 minutes idling and putting around at no more than 25mph with some slight revving to see the smoke level increase.
I did everything by the book for this head gasket change. I love the car and will keep it for a long time so no short cuts were taken!
From my preliminary research, I am considering a few scenarios: 1) problem with piston rings due to overheating before head gasket was changed, 2) coolant still sitting in catalytic converter and muffler but will vaporize after a few days of driving
I changed the head gasket because it seemed to be the problem to me, a shop diagnosed it as the problem, and because 420a's are known to kill head gaskets.
What is your advice? Thank you very much for reading this! I really appreciate the help!
* Because I know someone will ask, I used a MLS gasket with copper coat and replaced the head bolts which I torqued to MLS standards.
#137808, "RE: New Head Gasket, Same Old Smoke" In response to Reply # 0
Have you noticed anything in terms of oil consumption? I know you only recently changed the head gasket but keep and eye on your oil. If its consumption is high maybe an issue with your valve stem seals? Ever had them replaced? How is the smoke on a cold start say overnight and first start in the morning?
#137810, "RE: New Head Gasket, Same Old Smoke" In response to Reply # 1 Mar-19-13 07:42 PM by RallyEclipse98
Every 3000 miles it needed a 1/2 quart of oil or so (head gasket had been getting worse and worse for awhile). The previous owner said it was just the head gasket leaking (shop told her). I hope it wasn't really the valve seals. Valve seals have never been touched. I had a machinist inspect the head when it was off and he said everything looked good. I haven't driven the car out in the cold yet since I don't want to harm anything and I have another car to drive.
#137811, "RE: New Head Gasket, Same Old Smoke" In response to Reply # 2
If you are absolutely positive that you did a correct replacement of the head gasket you may want to start considering your valve seals. Go for a short drive? Your ECU may throw a code and tell you the problem.
#137812, "RE: New Head Gasket, Same Old Smoke" In response to Reply # 2
A proper leak down test will tell you what you need to pursue next(should have done first). Points to valve stem seals or rings...or you can just keep sticking oil in it.
#137823, "RE: New Head Gasket, Same Old Smoke" In response to Reply # 5
Originally posted by bullettdsm You said you did everything by the book so I presume you had the head checked for warpage?
Yes, I had it resurfaced, pressure checked, and inspected. I took it to NAPA and an older guy did it for me. He seemed very knowledgeable. I asked him a few times through our conversation if he found anything odd at all with the head and he said it looked great, especially for 176k.
#137824, "RE: New Head Gasket, Same Old Smoke" In response to Reply # 4
Originally posted by Slo2g A proper leak down test will tell you what you need to pursue next(should have done first). Points to valve stem seals or rings...or you can just keep sticking oil in it.
A reputable shop that the previous owner took the car to diagnosed it as the head gasket. I thought no further investigation was needed.
Oh and after I drove the car for a few miles and it was up to temp, when I revved the engine, it was spewing out what appeared to be anti-freeze.
No CEL. Only light on the dash after the install was the SRS light on for some reason,
#137825, "RE: New Head Gasket, Same Old Smoke" In response to Reply # 6
Originally posted by RallyEclipse98 I took it to NAPA and an older guy did it for me. He seemed very knowledgeable. I asked him a few times through our conversation if he found anything odd at all with the head and he said it looked great, especially for 176k.
There's your problem right there! You can't trust those old farts for nothing
Ok, next up; did you check your oil? Any milky stuff?
Captain Caveman
96 RS Turbo 11.414 @ 119.62 MSNS, Crower 2 NA cams, BW366, 10.5 comp, UDP, 60mm TB, W/A intercooler, 3.55 tranny 567.9whp 430tq 97 RS NA 13.188 @ 103.87 MSnS powered 12.5 comp, Crower 3's and 219.4whp with 175tq 98 RS DD 12.5 comp on stock ECU, LTH, Crower 2's, Koni, GC, Hypercoil, DG hats 99 OZ 5sp Stocker 15.856 @ 85.97 99 GS stocker auto 17.7@77mph!
#137835, "RE: New Head Gasket, Same Old Smoke" In response to Reply # 8
Originally posted by bullettdsm
Originally posted by RallyEclipse98 I took it to NAPA and an older guy did it for me. He seemed very knowledgeable. I asked him a few times through our conversation if he found anything odd at all with the head and he said it looked great, especially for 176k.
There's your problem right there! You can't trust those old farts for nothing Ok, next up; did you check your oil? Any milky stuff?
When I drained the oil prior to the head gasket change, I swashed it around the drain pan and it looked good.
I only checked the oil after the car had been running and smoking for a few minutes. Looked fine.
