Coolant leaking from A.I.R. System.

[jchicago]

I have a 1980 with a 292 from a 1984 one ton. It has the standard emission components. In the top of the cylinder head there is the tubes from each cylinder going to the AIR pump. One of those tubes is leaking coolant causing a great deal white steam.

A bit of a novice, so wondering if it means the head gasket is blown?

[buddy_1]

Got pics?

[jchicago]

Green arrow is where I see it bubbling out after a minute running.

Looks like the previous owner disconnected it from the #1 cylinder, it's plugged with a bolt (yellow arrow) and bent the tube to close it off (blue).

I know general consensus is to leave it hooked up whether or not the trucks state has emission checks on older vehicles since it's still required, but I personally would like to remove it. It makes access to the carburetor screws neigh impossible without basically climbing into the engine compartment to reach in behind the carb.

But mainly now, I need to find out if I want to tear up the engine, or pay someone else to. Or if I can use some liquid copper gasket to seal it for the winter months and deal with it in spring (unheated 2 car garage and it's too cold already), or strip the tubes off and close the holes with bolts.

[buddy_1]

If my memory serves me correct, there is a freeze plug in that area of the head. Are you sure the tube leaking? Look here http://engineguy.com/chev-250-292-70...d-atk2c81.html for pictures of a bare head to see the freeze plug locations. Are you getting the steam from the engine compartment or out the exhaust pipe? Buddy

[jchicago]

It's coming from the bolt / pipe fitting in the head. Not getting it from the exhaust. Just inside the engine compartment. I can see it bubbling out from the actual fitting. It very well be coming from other areas hidden, when the air filter is on it pretty much blooms from everywhere, but with it off it can only see it coming from that one fitting.

[buddy_1]

Did you look at the link I posted? Your arrow looks real close to the area of the center freeze plug. I cant remember, does the pipe thread into the head or the manifold?

[jchicago]

Pipe threads into the head. Looked at the site, but it is coming from the AIR system plumbing.

[buddy_1]

If thats the case, my guess would be a cracked head. The A.I.R. system injects fresh air into the exhaust system to help the catalytic converter heat up faster for better performance. There should be no water/coolant in that pipe.

[Jake Wade]

Originally Posted by buddy_1

If thats the case, my guess would be a cracked head. The A.I.R. system injects fresh air into the exhaust system to help the catalytic converter heat up faster for better performance. There should be no water/coolant in that pipe.

Ditto