1996 Oldsmobile 88 water in clylinders

HARLEYSOFTAIL98

MEMBER
1996 OLDSMOBILE 88
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
102,648 MILES

My son has a 96 old 88.V6.3.8. It locked up on him. Thought mabey the timing chain, but when I put num.1 plug had water in it. Then thought head gasket. Than I pulled all the plugs and theres water in all the clylinders. What do you guys think?Thanks for your help

Wednesday, October 15th, 2008 AT 7:22 PM

5 Replies

BLACKOP555

MECHANIC
10,386 POSTS

V6. Hmm if theres water in all cylindres I might be thinking the engien is hydrolocked from leaky intake manifold gasket.

Is it water or antifreeze?

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Wednesday, October 15th, 2008 AT 9:48 PM

HARLEYSOFTAIL98

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2 POSTS

Thanks for your answer. Its antifreeze. Answer to your? I was afraid might be cracked block.I started pulling the intake off. Thanks for your answer

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Thursday, October 16th, 2008 AT 3:37 AM

BLACKOP555

MECHANIC
10,386 POSTS

But since all cylinders are fulled I kinda rule out a cracked block since you say its a v6 not a straight/inline 6.

Get a compression test going and see.

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Friday, October 17th, 2008 AT 3:51 PM

OUFAN59

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Had to replace the upper intake manifold (plenum) & gasket. Odd design has water going up into the intake end of the plenum. If slightly overheated or run low on coolant the joint looses it's seal & you guessed it, pours water into the intake.
I used a shop vac & small Dia. Hose to clear the cylinders through the spark plug holes & top of the intake manifold (lower) & changed the oil. Replaced the plenum & gasket, ($120@ parts store) started right up & runs great.

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Friday, November 21st, 2008 AT 11:51 AM

BLACKOP555