Hi All,
I just came into possession on a 93 Rocky that has severe overheating issues.
My plan is to whip the head off and go straight for the head gasket. (obviously checking thermostat / radiator for blockages along the way).
My question to you good folk is:
If I encounter the worst and it is a cracked head. What are my options in this part of the world? Do i just wait for one to turn up on the wrecker market or is there a viable option for an engine transplant from something that is a bit more furnished in the aftermarket parts department.
Cheers.
I’ll be sure to post progress pics as I go.
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Welcome. Looking forward to seeing some pics of the Rocky. Fairly unlikely the head is cracked such that you have a leak. All the cracked ones I’ve seen have been between valve seats. You do say severe overheating and you’ve checked a few things, but does it use water/coolant? Any external leaks from hoses from the water pump or cabin heater. I would do a combustion leak test first to see if water and combustion gas is leaking (I assume to oil is not a milky colour).
Regards,
Gormsby
Hi Gormsby,
As far as overheating ‘severely’ those are the words of the previous owner. I’ve not witnessed it overheating myself. I only got it because the previous owner was getting rid of it at a price that I just couldn’t refuse. A whopping $0.
I’ve not run it for more than ~20s to verfiy that:
1: it starts and run.
2: get an idea of any knocks/smoke/leaks from places where it shouldn’t
In that time I noted that it started easliy and idled quite happily. There was a lot of bubbles coming through the radiator as well as a very distinct smell of engine oil. Oil is not milky on the dip stick nor could I see any emulsion in the radiator fluid.
I am going to drain the fluids, pull the thermostat, drop the radiator and whip the head off this weekend and go from there taking into consideration anything that I learn along the way.
Might put on new timing belts etc on the way back in just to for peace of mind.
Given that its cost me nothing at this point i’m happy to throw a bit of money at it.
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I would be great if you could share a little of the work you do with a sentence or two about what you learn and some pics.
Great car at a bargain price.