85 2.3 water in the oil

[UrbanRedneckKid]

Yeah you're probably right I'm just a little tired and didn't have the spirit to try it again. How high did you elevate your front end?

There is only a select few cars I've had to jack up. Crapalier, dohc 4.6 in Aviator, and 2 ratrods. I use a lift and make quick work out of em, by lifting the front around 4-5', or till the bumper or hitch touch the ground.

Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk 2

 

[coleboy11]

Well it seems to be doing okay right now but like I said, I still need to put the right gaskets back in.

I don't know if its related but the headlights go dim when you let off the gas after accel. or slowing down like it might die but it never actually does. I have a spare alternator I might give it a chance. It's just strange b/c it never did that before it overheated or before I changed the intake manifold gasket the night before....

Anyway, I really appreciate the info on getting the system burped, seemed like it helped immensely.

 

[Mark_88]

Good to hear there is finally some improvement...

It's funny, but it seems like every time I fix something, I manage to unfix something else or it just happens to suddenly pop up shortly after I get everything working...just old trucks that are high maintenance...

Check the tension on the belt before you swap the alternator...there should be little or no play in the belt...if there is, you will get the symptoms you are seeing...dimming lights and lower blower motor output...

It could also be a weak ground somewhere...like the battery terminals or the engine ground...or it may be the alternator is going south...but check the others before the alternator...they usually last longer than other parts on the truck...having a spare is a good thing though...

I'd say the belt was loose after all, you did remove the water pump...that is on the same belt drive...not hard to leave them a bit too loose...

 

[coleboy11]

Yeah I've left it loose before so it wouldn't be the first time. Also the ungodly amount of water that's been splashed around there in the last couple days might have something to do with it.

 

[RonD]

Alternators have 3 fields that generate AC power these are converted to DC, it is not uncommon to lose 1 or 2 of these fields as an alternator gets older.
It can be the field wiring or the diodes that fail, but ability to generate full power is lost.

A problem in the alternator is usually noticed by dimming lights at lower RPM.
This is because the alternator usually puts out between 13.8v and 14.2v depending on RPM, when fields fail the voltage can get down to the low 13v at idle, you notice that as dimming lights if they are on.

And yes the heat and the water could have lost you a field or two

 

[coleboy11]

I finally got some antifreeze and gaskets yesterday and it's running like it should as far as I can tell. I used the grey RTV sealant on the water pump and thermostat. The water pump is dry but the thermostat had a tiny leak at the top and so I gave the bolts a good turn and it looks like that did it. I don't like the red gasket maker because it seems to goop up and disappear into unknown regions, and it doesnt stick well....

STill a little water in the oil. I put a new intake gasket and sealed the metal plate I have blocking the egr valve with RTV sealant as well. Maybe by the time I change the oil next time, this issue will be resolved.