Hello Everyone. I’ve recently purchased a 1981 C3 corvette and I’ve got a few things up with it. I’m preparing to do a valve cover gasket job because of an oil leak and I noticed that the car was low on coolant. I haven’t found any leaks so what could the issue be? The engine was recently rebuilt so I’m doubting it’s a head gasket. Any advice? Thanks.
Coolant loss
- Thread starter Christopher81C3
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coolant system pressure test will tell you if its a head gasket, intake gasket or a leak somewhere.
If it's not on the ground or in the oil, it's going out the tailpipe......
If it's not on the ground or in the oil, it's going out the tailpipe......
Perhaps it was low on coolant right from the time it was rebuilt?
I can pretty much imagine my elation ...I thought that but didn’t have the courage to actually say that here.
if it were me in this position
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Ya... there’s a chance. But we are not really helping the OP with his question.
@Christopher81C3 can you give us a few more details on the engine and what you have checked? Pressure in the system, rad condition.... anything you have checked already?
And a photo or 10 is always helpful
Had an off topic car of that era and I could always smell anti freeze, this was after installing a fresh 468" BB. Turned out it was the heater core leaking onto the black carpet, nobody noticed the wet floor.
Good luck getting it sorted out.
Good luck getting it sorted out.
It really depends how much coolant you're loosing. If coolant was going out the tail pipes, you'd see white smoke. Be sure it isn't in the oil. When you take off the valve covers, you'll see a milky build up if the coolant is present. It could be a faulty head gasket, warped head, many things. The driver's side valve cover removal requires a lot more dismantling than the passenger side. At least that's how it was on my C4. If the car isn't really running hot, it shouldn't be too alarming. I also found that if you overfill the cooling system, the pressure will make the coolant leak out. Around 1 1/2 in. from the filler neck when cold is plenty. Always use 50/50 antifreeze mixture.
