[MRDMV]

I have a 1966 2V 289 with C4. I installed the intake manifold gaskets myself and naturally I'm a rookie. I'm getting coolant in the exhaust pipe first thing in the morning. I know this is a classic sign of a blown head gasket. I got/rented the gases kit from autozone and I performed the test three separate times through the radiator and no exhaust gases detected. I have a friend that said if I installed the intake manifold gaskets incorrectly that it could be pulling coolant into one or two of the cylinders in the intake stroke. I think he may be correct since it tends to run hot all day -- this may be a sign of restricted water flow. Once the engine is warm it runs smooth but first thing in the morning it tends to sputter for a minute or two and water vapor drips come out of the tail pipe until it's warm. If I have installed them wrong wouldn't the water pump apply pressure if I've restricted or blocked the water flow through the manifold? Thanks.

[Jay H 237]

Are you sure it's coolant and not normal condensation coming out of the exhaust when it first starts?

[MRDMV]

You're right I cannot be sure it's not just normal condensation. However it's a new rebuilt engine with less than 300 miles on it. When it comes out of the exhaust it splatters on the garage floor about a tablespoon full and it's very dark black as if it's full of carbon but when I hold my hand in front of the exhaust it's very moist for up to 5 minutes at idle then later it starts to dry out -- I guess when the cylinder temp is high enough to evaporate it. The exhaust does not smell sweet like burning coolant. Actually it's odorless.

[The Greek]

If it's odorless, it shouldn't be coolant. Do you live in a high humidity area? If you do, it's probably condensation. You aren't loosing coolant, are you?

As for the "sputter" the engine, when cold, will run a little rough until the intake is warmed enough to promote fuel vaporization. Fuel will puddle in the bottom of the intake until it's warmed up. This is why an exhaust port is usually running through the intake to help warm it up in a shorter period of time. A carburated engine is going to run a little funky until it's up to temp. Fuel injected engines aren't as tempermental when cold.

Many people, when building a performance engine, will block the exhaust ports entering the intake. It makes the engine run rough for a slightly longer period, but will promote a cooler intake charge and better performance once up to temp. The carb is kept cooler and chances of vapor lock are reduced. Living in cold climates could make retaining the exhaust crossover a necessity, though.

Aluminum manifolds warm up quicker than cast iron and performance guys block the ports at the intake gasket. Some gasket sets have the block off pieces included. I don't mind the few extra minutes it takes for engine warm up, I'd rather have a cooler intake charge.

Did you do a compression test on each cylinder? This will give you a clue as to what's going on. I experience the same amount of condensation in the mornings. I live in a very high humidity area and what you're experiencing is normal for us. You may be worrying for nothing. If you really aren't sure about the intake gaskets, the only way to find out is to pull the intake. But since you don't smell coolant, it's probably not coolant. As for overheating, it could be the radiator, thermostat, waterpump, ignition timing or the headgaskets were installed backward.

A cold carbureted engine will "sputter" until it's warmed up. Condensation in the amount that you describe, in my opinion is normal. Except for the engine running hot, I don't think it's a blown head gasket. Something else is going on.

[drop top]

I've had water vapor coming out of my pipes for 43 years every morning. If there is something wrong, it's too late now.
Good luck,
Rich

[MRDMV]

Greek and Droptop,

Thanks your help is indeed generous. I'm going to stop worrying about it.

[paul289]

Is it actually overheating? I found that my temp gauge was lying to me. I replaced the temp sender and found that it was actually running fairly cool. Course, I'm also running a 3-row radiator and a R-model racing apron.