mazdab40004x4
Member
- Joined
- Dec 9, 2010
- Messages
- 96
- Reaction score
- 1
- Points
- 8
- Location
- Atlanta, GA
- Vehicle Year
- 1994
- Make / Model
- Mazda
- Engine Size
- 4.0 V6
- Transmission
- Automatic
I've finally torn down the top end of my 4.0 to correct a problem with coolant dripping slightly into the cylinders and leaking all over the front of the engine. Didn't realize how bad it was -- still ran ok, but I could tell I had a vac leak from somewhere and could smell some coolant burning. Turns out the lower intake was literally loose on the block. I didn't even need a socket to get half the bolts out. I'm going to remove the heads to inspect and replace the gaskets at the very least. Possibly end up replacing the heads.
My first question is, if you were this far in, would you also pull the timing cover and replace the crank seal? I can't tell if it is leaking because the engine was so coated in sludge. Like literally two inches thick of mud and oil and coolant baked on. I cleaned the sludge but I can't run it in its current condition to tell if the seal is actively leaking under pressure. I'd hate to cause more problems than I solve but I would also hate to get it all back together and find a leak.
Also when I pulled the lower intake, the entire valley is evenly coated in a quarter inch of crusty carbon/oil buildup. Should I try to clean that up when I pull the heads? What can I use to do that so crap doesn't fall down into the cam holes? Or should I just leave it, get it back together, and run some seafoam through it?
Thanks for your thoughts.
My first question is, if you were this far in, would you also pull the timing cover and replace the crank seal? I can't tell if it is leaking because the engine was so coated in sludge. Like literally two inches thick of mud and oil and coolant baked on. I cleaned the sludge but I can't run it in its current condition to tell if the seal is actively leaking under pressure. I'd hate to cause more problems than I solve but I would also hate to get it all back together and find a leak.
Also when I pulled the lower intake, the entire valley is evenly coated in a quarter inch of crusty carbon/oil buildup. Should I try to clean that up when I pull the heads? What can I use to do that so crap doesn't fall down into the cam holes? Or should I just leave it, get it back together, and run some seafoam through it?
Thanks for your thoughts.