96 GMC Safari

I've got a 96 GMC Safari AWD Van. It was leaking coolant from the intake manifold gasket to the top of the engine (no water in oil). I had to move the van around the driveway a few times til I had time to replace intake gasket. I replaced the gasket, filled cooling system and check the oil. NOW I have a lot of water in the oil. I drained the oil, water slowly kept coming out. The more I put in the radiator the more that slowly comes out the oil pan. I pulled the intake and everything looked fine, I reassembled still the same. I purchased a cooling system pressure test and it'll hold about 3-5lb pressure for a few minuets and then leak down and more water out the pan. I have now pulled the intake again and duct taped the head water passages and plugged all disconnected hoses and put water in the radiator , again water slowly out the oil pan.

So now I believe I have either a cracked block/head or headgasket leaking. Any ideas how to diagnose further?

Thanks Kevin

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Kevin
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Kevin,

It seems very odd that there was no coolant in the oil before you changed the gasket, and now it's running out of the pan.

Anyhow, here is an idea. If your van has an engine oil cooler in the radiator, you might want to disconnect the oil cooler lines from the radiator (Left side/driver's side). Then, add water to the radiator and see if it runs out of the cooler connectors at the radiator.

Usually when the head gasket leaks coolant, it's into the cylinder, into the lifter valley, or out of the engine. If it gets into the cylinder, it usually stays there. It can't get past the rings until the engine is running. Well,... it can, but not fast enough to see it pour out of the oil pan.

One last test. Apply compressed air to each cylinder with the spark plugs out. Use a compression tester. Some of these have a 2 piece hose with a quick coupler. If yours doesn't have one, then spin the gage off and put an air fitting on it. One by one, apply about 20-30 psi to each cylinder. If you hear air coming out of the radiator neck, then it's time to pull the heads, inspect the gaskets, and inspect the cylinder walls for cracks. Of course, this requires an air compressor and a compression tester. If you don't have these, then you can't do this test.

That's about it. I'm tapped out of ideas. Perhaps another in the group may give you some more.

GMdude

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GMdude

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Drooler

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Elvis

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