Coolant loss white plugs
 

I am loosing a small amount of coolant on long trips . Used about a pint in 2500 miles . Pulled the plugs both 2 and 4 have white deposits . Truck is not overheating and runs fine with no smoke from exhaust . Did a co2 test on the coolant not a trace . Fluid stayed blue after repeated purging I even tested some with co2 from my beer tap and it Turned instantly yellow so the fluid is working . I’m thinking it’s most likely to be a bad intake gasket and not a cracked head or head gasket . Any opinions or recommendations would be welcomed.

Re: Coolant loss white plugs
 

Engine 350 with RV cam edlebrock performer manifold has 60k on it .

Re: Coolant loss white plugs
 

The white deposits could point to a small cross cylinder coolant leak developing.
They could also be a sign of poor sealing of that area of the manifold to head surface. Check the manifold bolts for tightness.

The manifold could also be corroded in the ports 2-4 area thru to the coolant port in the head.

I have also seen plugs with these deposits when poor quality gas has been used or some additives have been used....however, the deposits would be on all or most of the plugs not just an adjoining cylinders pair.

I would replace all the plugs, run some Sea Foam thru a full tank of gas from another gas station and check all manifold bolts are tight.

On another note....am jealous of the beer tap....

:b69::b69::b69::b69:

Re: Coolant loss white plugs
 

I found the issue . Coolant leaking front passenger side . Going to check bolt torque on the manifold . If it’s good going to get some new gaskets

Re: Coolant loss white plugs
 

Bolts were loose and very rusty . Looked like RTV black was used as a thread sealant . Cleaned everything up just need to go get some real thread sealant .

Re: Coolant loss white plugs
 

Change the Intake gaskets

Re: Coolant loss white plugs
 

Is it possible the intake bolts are a smidge too long and bottoming out in the head before you're getting full torque on the gasket? I mention it because of the 1st thread on each bolt pictured looking a smidge smushed

Re: Coolant loss white plugs
 

Don’t think there too long . I didn’t check but they can’t be longer than 1 1/4 “ which is correct length . It’s back together and no leaks .

Re: Coolant loss white plugs
 

Good deal! I was just being extra cautious :lol:

Re: Coolant loss white plugs
 

There also appears to be some water stains down the metal fitting in the manifold where the heater hose is attached.

There also appears to be some corrosion on the threads of the fitting where it screws into the manifold.

I assume you checked all the intake manifold bolts for tightness....

Great work !

:chevy::chevy::chevy:

Re: Coolant loss white plugs
 

All the others were tight and dry .

I drove it about 40 miles today . Area was totally dry put in a new clutch fan too old one was not working at all .

Re: Coolant loss white plugs
 

Good to hear hope it all works out from now on. I love clutch fans, I think everybody should have them. :)

Re: Coolant loss white plugs
 

My son is a big Clutch fan .