does this sound like Head Gasket?

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does this sound like Head Gasket?

June 08, 2009, 08:49:27 AM

one thing after another lately. 1986 5.0. let me first add that I recently put a new more free flowing exhaust with no cats and a couple Summit lers (flow master knock offs). I'm not sure, but, this issue might have been masked to some extent by the stock system: Lately, after warming it up in the morning there are moisture spots in the driveway where the exhaust turns down, and I smell the sweet smell of coolant in the exhaust. temp is good, no loss of power, no visible white exhaust except a little bit before it warms up. no change in driveability. no codes. the sweet coolant smell in the exhaust is fairly pr0nounced.

does this sound like Head Gasket?

Reply #1 – June 08, 2009, 08:59:52 AM

Ive had that exact problem with my 20th but it happened after i gutted the cat.

i think there is something about the smell of the tail pipe with free flowing exhaust that produces this change in smell.

the cats will buildup and mix in with the exhaust to produce its own smell more gas or noxious fumes so to speak.

I look at it as a clean burning system and the sweet smell is prob nothing.

I dong use coolant either, all is normal.

IIRC, the same thing happened with the 3.8 in the white coug after i emptied the cat.

does this sound like Head Gasket?

Reply #2 – June 08, 2009, 10:05:33 AM

Does the radiator look low on fluid?Do you ever have to add water?

does this sound like Head Gasket?

Reply #3 – June 08, 2009, 10:08:26 AM

fluid level is good.

does this sound like Head Gasket?

Reply #4 – June 08, 2009, 10:42:55 AM

after i did my exhaust i had the same thing. theres really nothing to stop the condensation from exiting the pipes now. And if your running dumps after the s then its got a straight shot out of the exhaust. I still get a lil bit when i let it warm up now and again. I dont think its a major prob just keep an eye on her=]

does this sound like Head Gasket?

Reply #5 – June 08, 2009, 11:10:52 AM

If you've got no cats your going to get moisture on a cold start, plain and simple. Just keep an eye on the coolant level. If you're not loosing any it should be fine. Or if you want for piece of mind run a compression check.