Carbon monoxide

[sixnineK5]

So I picked up a 69 K5 several years ago. It has been a project from the get-go. I have replaced all of the bushings underneath, rebuilt the front end, tires, shocks, windshield and a bunch of other parts. Has a 250 6cyl and the blazer runs and drives pretty good to be 48 yrs old. Mostly a weekend rig and it sat for a month at a friends house a while back while the brakes were replaced. However, for the last few months I had to go to an oncologist because my blood work was way off. So they kept asking about carbon monoxide poisoning. But the numbers from the blood test were dropping and I thought it was from me running and working out. But this was happening while the blazer was out of commission
while the brakes were being worked on.

So today, I bought a carbon monoxide detector. Put it in several places with no alerts. Cranked up my blazer and let it run for a few minutes. Turned it off and placed the detector inside and Bingo, the alarm goes off.

Anyone else have CO problems in their old rig? Options are either seal up the floor pan around the drivers area, my guess is that is where its coming from or sell it. I really hate to part with it, but I am tired of getting jabbed with needles every few weeks.

[truckster]

If you have a properly working exhaust system you won't have carbon monoxide inside the cab. Check your exhaust system for leaks.

[sixnineK5]

Has a new exhaust manifold and pipe/muffler all the way out the back. Can't hear any leak or see any signs of leak on engine. Sitting inside with motor running, I can feel air coming under the dash but doesn't smell like exhaust. Gonna take a closer look tomorrow. Thought about taking the belt off so the fan doesn't move and spray soapy water around exhaust manifold while the engine is running.

[Stokester]

Side exhaust or rear? Top on or off? Keep us posted!

[cleszkie]

If you are feeling air coming from under the dash, you have an open hole in your firewall. In addition to checking the exhaust for leaks, I would also seal the hole or holes in the firewall. That way, if you do have a leak between the block and manifold, or between the manifold and downpipe, that gas is not making its way into the cab. Keep in mind that CO is odorless.

[kwmech]

CO is also partially burned fuel or fuel delivery, so to get high readings the engine is running too rich. Float in carb too high, screw too far out, restricted air, (dirty filter) etc. It would have to be pretty high for the blood levels to elevated high enough to set off a warning to the doc

[4oldcars]

Duck tape and a hammer will fix anything

[sixnineK5]

thanks for the replies. Unfortunately I may sell it. I have a lot going on right now. The exhaust is leaking around the manifold,which is new, but I'm unable to mess with it now. Once I figure out how to post pics I will list in the for sale forum.
Posted via Mobile Device

[argonaut]

Originally Posted by 4oldcars

Duck tape and a hammer will fix anything

Amen, Mr. Red Green.

[notsolo]

Other than engine running rich. Tailgate area can suck in exhaust fumes, Hatch seal good?..and how is the rubber around the 3 sides of the tailgate?

[FoxHound]

Yeah, check the hatch as well. I had a lot of fumes making their way in the back. Probably safe to say some CO was in the mix.

[special-K]

The tailgate and hatch are likely the culprit. CO from a well tuned vehicle will also kill you. Could be worse, since the engine running rich you can smell.

I guess if you are selling due to this problem (or final straw) you'll be disclosing this issue to any would be buyers, right?

[cleszkie]

Turning the exhaust out to the side behind the rear tires eliminates the issue with sucking fumes back through the tailgate or hatch.

[Llay R. Rac]

i had an exhaust manifold leak which i could smell in the cab, it got a lot worse when my hood to cowl seal fell apart.
check that the seal is there and is sealing tight.