Detonation?

[dez81]

The other day while traveling I started getting a popping sound under the hood of my 81 C-10 350. The was some sputtering but mostly the popping. When I start it's fine but upon acceleration it starts popping. I checking the timing and changed to plugs but it didn't help.

[Lt.Del]

Hard to tell just by your words.  But first thought would be a blown head gasket (exhaust popping under the head) or cracked head.  Is your exhaust manifold ok?

SgtDel
aka "Andy"

www.delbridge.net

1979 Big 10 383 stroker
1991 Blu 'Burb 3/4 ton 4x4

[dez81]

Not sure, I did not look too hard at it. Not sure I would know what to look for. Is it something fairly obvious? I did notice there was some type of fluid coming from the first header pipe closest to the firewall on the passenger side. I thought the valve cover may have leaked some oil. The bolts were loose on the pipe so i tightened them.

Thanks for the reply

[123 pugsy]

I had a bent pushrod last time I heard a sound like that.

[VileZambonie]

It's not detonation. Make sure all of your ignition compnents are correct, correct firing order, wires are good etc. If it's still popping do a compression test. A bent pushrod, bad cam, etc will cause the same problem but you'll know for sure when you do a compression test.

[dez81]

Had my engine checked and sgt del you were right on, bad head gasket. I am going to get that new engine sooner than I thought. In the mean time I was told about a product called steel seal. Has anyone used it? I would try it if would help till I get my new engine. I only drive to and from work which is 7 or 8 miles each way.

[Lt.Del]

I don't know about steel seal, but i would just go ahead and replace the head gasket.  It doenst cost much.  It'll take a few hours though.  You'd have to remove the intake manifold (carb linkage), exhaust manifold (or pipe at manifold), valve cover, rocker arm, push rods etc....
Remove head bolts very carefully so as not to warp your head---loosening each a very little at a time criss crossing the bolt order.  And, there is your burnt head gasket!

SgtDel
aka "Andy"

www.delbridge.net

1979 Big 10 383 stroker
1991 Blu 'Burb 3/4 ton 4x4

[dez81]

Thanks for the advise. I will give it a try.
I read up on the steel seal stuff and thought it would be worth a shot (money back guarantee) seeing I'm getting a new engine.
Thanks again sgtdel

[xtreme80]

I blew a head gasket 2 weeks ago and just finished getting it all fixed a week ago.

I replaced all the gaskets, both cylinder heads, the intake manifold, and then various other small parts that you will need.

It's definately NOT as easy as sgtDel makes it seem.  If you don't know too much about engines, and want to give it a try yourself, either pick up a Haynes Manual and start there, or find a buddy that knows about engines...

Also, when putting it back together, you gotta set the engine to TDC (top dead center) and reset your timing.  You also have to make sure the head bolts are torqued down to the proper spec.

Not trying to discourage you at all, I would just hate to see someone put that much effort into a top end rebuild and then mess it up somehow.

Good luck!

[1976Scottsdale]

Disconnect battery
Remove all accessories(alternator, PS pump, brackets)
Remove Dist. Cap and bump engine until the rotor bug reads TDC for #1 cylinder.
Remove Distributor
Remove All connections to Carb and intake
remove oil drain plug and leave it out till later
Remove valve covers
Unbolt and remove exhaust manifolds
unbolt the intake and remove it (may have to tap it with a hammer)
Loosen rocker arms and remove pushrods
Loosen the head bolts, dtart in the middle and work you way out evenly.
Remove heads, a prybar in the exhaust crossover on the intake side works well.
peel off head gasket(s)
clean and buff block and heads.
clean pistons.
check heads fo cracks... they are fairly easy to see once they are clean.
Install new gaskets and tighten the head bolts to 75 ft/lbs.
install pushrods and snug down the rockers(you will need to cut out an old valve cover once it is running and re-set the valves to 1/4 turn past being quiet... they tap when loose)
install intake gaskets, silicone the corners lightly
set intake on, after cleaning/buffing it anf tighten the bolts... re-tighten them later.
drop the distributor back in in the #1 position and snug it down.
Re-connect the hoses, wires, lines, etc.
Re- attach the accessories and belts
Re-install drain plug and fill with oil and water... in their own locations.
Start it and set the valves... fairly quickly.( 3-4 threads should be showing if you do not have a book handy to show you the procedure for cold setting them.  After it is running, you can install the cut-out cover and a few rags and set the valves, loosen them until they tap, then tighten until quiet, then 1/4 turn more)

It takes a while, but it is fairly cheap.

[dez81]

Thanks for all the tips, advice and instructions. As soon as my work schedule permits I'm going to give it a shot. When I'm done I'll post the results.
Thanks again

[Lt.Del]

Quote:It's definately NOT as easy as sgtDel makes it seem

Well, i didn't post that to include everything.  If you are used to working on your engines, it is easy, just lots of steps.  

One addition to the above steps.....Drain the antifreeze beforehand or it will creat a mess.  

SgtDel
aka "Andy"

www.delbridge.net

1979 Big 10 383 stroker
1991 Blu 'Burb 3/4 ton 4x4

Edited by: SgtDel  at: 12/6/06 4:47 pm

[123 pugsy]

Don't forget to throw away the front and rear rubber seals for the intake manifold and lay down a nice thick 1/4" high bead of RTV silicone in their place.

[dez81]

Well guys I went ahead and bought a new engine. Just got it back from my buddy. Brand new 350 with new fuel pump, water pump, belts, hoses, plugs, wires, dist cap and all. I bought a new edlebrock 600 carb to top it off. I going to replace the radiator this weekend. Took off the headers and went with exhaust manifolds. I 'll dress that up later. I'll post some pictures soon.
When my buddy took the old engine out he told me it was a mess. The previous owner had a bunch of rig-ups. Now I know what I have.
Thanks for making this a great forum