Guest JouniK Posted May 9, 2012 Share Posted May 9, 2012 (edited) I have major problems with my riviera cooling system. When I got the car, I drove only from trailer to my garage (winter). A few weeks ago I was adding water to the radiator, I found one freeze plug that had come off (!) So I replaced it, and now after driving the car a few times (very short distance, 5min) there are more problems :eek:During the first run the windshield got foggy from the inside, so the heater core is busted. I disconnect the hoses and bypass the heater core. Then the second run, everything seems ok, until I open the hood - water leaking from somewhere. The thermostat cover gasket is leaking. I fix that and run the engine for a few minutes, no leaks. So today I tought was the big day, first run on the highway, but no!!! After a few hudred yards (and some heavy acceleration ) I hear a little noise and check the mirror: A huge coolant leak. So I return back to the garage and I already guessed what happened: Another freeze plug came off. So something creates a high pressure in the cooling system. I replaced the freeze plug and started the car again. At first, nothing, then, when the thermostat opens, some water spills from the radator and after revving the engine water bursts from the radiator (no cap).With the cap on there´s a lot of pressure in the system after the engine has ran only a shot time 1 min or so. And revving the engine makes it worse. I don´t know much about the history of this car, it has a new radiator and the water (for now) in the cooling system is clean, no oil, only some minor rust. The thermostat is new as seems to be the radiator cap (it does´t mean they work, I know )So the worst case scenario is that the head(s) or block are cracked. A head gasket failure is one possibility. But could there be something else I can check before I have to open the engine? Or can I check if the head gasket is failing or the block/head has cracked in my garage? BTW the engine oil is clean, no foam, not white.I need to move my stuff to another garage before the and of the month, so I´m reluctant to open the engine right away. I´d like to drive the car the few miles from the old garage to the new. Any advice how to accomplish that trip?Thanks guys!!J Edited May 10, 2012 by JouniK (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Cannon Posted May 9, 2012 Share Posted May 9, 2012 I would start out assuming it is a bad head gasket. Do a leak down test on each cylinder to see if you can figure out right or left side.When you have that head off, inspect it carefully for cracks. Same with block.Good luck. I hope that's all it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JouniK Posted May 10, 2012 Share Posted May 10, 2012 (edited) Ok, thanks Jim. I have been told that the nailhead blocks and heads are not prone to crack that easily. Is there some specific thing that causes them to crack? Whay parts of the block/heads are most common to crack?I just want to prepare myself for the worst. There are not too many 401 blocks for sale here in Finland, and shipping one from the states costs 1 sb chevy+th700 :D:D But I´ll check the compression first and go from there...Jouni Edited May 10, 2012 by JouniK (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Cannon Posted May 14, 2012 Share Posted May 14, 2012 Nothing in particular causes these heads to crack; perhaps overheating. Someone trying to "upgrade" the engine by installing hardened seats in the heads (not needed) can cut into the cooling jacket and ruin the head.Other than that, I suspect a bad head gasket. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JouniK Posted June 5, 2012 Share Posted June 5, 2012 Ok, I took off the heads. Both of the head gaskets were rusted through. A few piston crowns were clean, so I hope the head gaskets were the problem.I should have pressure tested the cylinders first.. Well, we´ll see in a few days J Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Buick Riviera Posted June 6, 2012 Share Posted June 6, 2012 Hi Jounik,just in case you would need it (hope that not...), I have complete and running 401 from 66 nailhead for sale. Poland is closer than US, shipping should not be so painful... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JouniK Posted June 6, 2012 Share Posted June 6, 2012 Hi Jounik,just in case you would need it (hope that not...), I have complete and running 401 from 66 nailhead for sale. Poland is closer than US, shipping should not be so painful...Thanks George, good to know Do You have the transmission too?J Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Buick Riviera Posted June 6, 2012 Share Posted June 6, 2012 I have one TH400 for sale, but from 72 - if I remember well. I must check the code/year to be sure... anyway it is not from 66. Will post info later. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Buick Riviera Posted June 6, 2012 Share Posted June 6, 2012 This is what I have Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JouniK Posted June 6, 2012 Share Posted June 6, 2012 Ok. I´ll hope I wont need them :DI got the engine almost ready today, only missing the carb, exhaust manifolds, power steering pump and some little stuff. I´ll try to finish it tomorrow.J Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Buick Riviera Posted June 7, 2012 Share Posted June 7, 2012 Post a pictures, when it will be ready, we like pictures :-)Good luck ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JouniK Posted June 7, 2012 Share Posted June 7, 2012 Problem solved!!! The engine seems to work just great. Only drove it a couple of miles, but I think its ok.Some pics:The engine bay, like a can of worms.. (yes I dont like the air cleaner either)I painted the engine parts gold. Not the original color but I´m going to hot rod the car a little:DFront, with 1958 Caddy grille, Chrysler bezels and BMW lights :eek:And the problem (not the worst one):Almost every other water channel block(?) was rusted throughThanks for Your help!!!J Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitewatersky Posted June 8, 2012 Share Posted June 8, 2012 i'm happy for you mate -glad it wasn't a disaster.cool grille ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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