Hello,
Time to fix the engine.
- Quite browned coolant (level ok, no leak), dirty and a little bit oily
- Engine oil at recommended level 10W40 synthetic (leak 1quart every 2 months at the main seal but will get fixed new oil pan gasket and main seal)
- Radiator blades are clean,
- Fan rotating ok, and factory fitted to the radiator.
- Overheating was not an issue until this summer (got it to vapor lock because of coolant boiling in the following conditions: 1979 Camaro Berlinetta 1.6 metric tons + 4 passengers 250 Kg [total 1.85 t] 2 US ton, 15km (9.32miles) ramp up at average 4%, 32°C outside temp 90°F, larger tires than factory (255/60R15 rear, 235,60R14 front) with factory
3/23 rear transmission. These where hard conditions for an old engine but it should not have gone to the point of boiling the coolant. (Hopefully I didn't engage the air conditioning compressor because it need upgrade and refill)From web searching, these may reveal a possible exhaust gas leak into the coolant because of cracked head gaskets (coolant color change and overheat). Do you agree with that diagnosis?
I'll have to wait until September, for a mechanic to look at it but, would like to order replacement parts now, because of significant lag in delivery to Europe.
If head gaskets need to be replaced, what kind is suitable for a 30yo stock unmodified GM factory LM1 who went over the 5 digit km counter at least once)?
There are many kinds of head gaskets listed with different thicknesses, materials rated applicable for this 1979 chevy 350cid V8 (AKA LM1).
Are these gaskets ok?