I have a 73 Scout II 345 with t-19 close ratio. Bought the truck about a year ago, after it had sat out in the desert 20+ years with less than 70,000 miles on it, single owner. Put new transmission in (from 727 to the current 4 speed) and various other somewhat minor problem solving, largely electrical. Truck is in good shape, all things considered, minimal rust, etc. Been using it as my primary vehicle, and drove it from from the southwest, up to alaska and the back down and to the east coast, fix and go as I went. This thing is a beast. Needless to say it has lots of sentimental value, after all I've put it through, moab trails to Yukon blizzards. Now I am trying to give it some understandably much needed attention. Engine has always smoked some at start up, but then would resolve. Always smelled pretty fumey going down the road, but had run great. Lately smoking has slowly increased, primarily from the left bank, as the old man that owned it installed a true dual exhaust. Replaced valve and oil cover gaskets some time ago, but still end up with greasy underside, and it definitely consumes a lot of oil, and has been increasing over time. (up to about a quart every fill up). Just the other day noticed some creaminess on oil cap, which made me think first of head gasket. I have suspected this of happening for sometime now, as I have run it hard and the motor is as it was 40 years ago, pretty much. Would like to do full rebuild anyway, because as all the obvious gaskets leaked I could only assume that sitting in that dry environment everything is rotted and dried out. Cost is always an issue, and thus far I have done everything myself. I have found these forums very useful, and wondered if everyone else would agree on the head gasket diagnoses, or if I'm, jumping to conclusions. Due to cost, I am trying to do what I can as I can, rather than the preferable complete rebuild. Just interested in any thoughts people might have. This is not a hobby Scout. I paid almost nothing for it and have driven from the desert to the mountains, coast to coast used for hunting and running my trapline and as my lifeline in the woods. Many roadside repairs later with a handful of wrenches and it still has not let me down. I will never part with the rig, even if I have to retire it for some time (which for now I probably will). I am a commercial fisherman and while I visit family back in the southeast during this off-season time I am tasking time to put some tlc in. Any advice appreciated. No loaded Jeep or truck I've ever had has done what this rig has done for me. I'm hooked.
Bad head gasket?
- Thread starter zrosing24
- Start date
FDChappie
Well-known member
Well I'd start with a compression check to see what you've got. Oil on the left side can be the result of a plugged pcv valve and/or flame arrestor on the valve cover. Some creaminess on the cap could also be a result of that. Let us know the numbers and we'll go from there.
Scoutboy74
Moderator
Did you notice any irregularities with the color and consistency of the oil at the last change? Is it about lof time again? Have you noticed the coolant level dropping? When coolant mixes with motor oil, the result is a thinned out, mocha-looking concoction.