1988 Chevy Astro Does this sound like a blown head gasket?

Tiny
ORIONKC
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 CHEVROLET ASTRO
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 145,000 MILES
I was driving homefrom work and I felt a litttle shutter in the engine when I got off the highway, felt like it was kindof misfiring(hesitating a bit) I didnt pay much mind to it and finished home(1/4 mle)

Once at home I let it sit for aout 10 minutes and headed back out and it was still runnig funny. A bout a mile into it I noticed a light smoke(steam) coming from the back of the van. A few minutes later it was runnig very rough and smoking(steaming) badly. At a light I would be smoking heavily and when it was time to proceed, when I hit the gas I would smoke out the intersection. I checked the oiland it looks fine, the coolant wasa bit low and the exhaust smells funny.

Does this sound like a head gasket? I have very limited funds as I just moved to a new state. I can do th e change myself but want to make sure this is the possible problem. I have just got a new job and need to make sure this is the root problem. Need to fix ad cant afford to mess around and keep buying parts.

If I could I would donate but this time I wont be able to. Sorry.

Thanks in advance!
Sunday, May 31st, 2009 AT 4:21 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,262 POSTS
If the smoke is white coming from the exhaust, it sounds like a headgasket or intake gasket. Check the engine compression. A bad headgasket will give a lower reading in the affected cylender. Intake gasket will have no affect on compression.

Let me know what you find.
Joe
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Monday, June 1st, 2009 AT 9:07 AM

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