I checked out the '94 X-cab 4cyl/5spd a friend wants to sell. It starts up fine, clutch feels good, A/C is cold, all electronics work, etc. He parked it a couple months ago when it started to run hot and he found it had no water in the radiator and evidence of water in the oil. I've learned on here that the timing cover (or thereabouts) is another area besides the head gasket where water and oil can mix. How do I go about determining what exactly is leaking? All my buddy knows is that he had the timing chain and all related pieces replaced at around 125k miles. The truck now has around 233K.

 

if the oil is a milkshake color, something like mocha flavor. there is water in the oil.


i wouldnt drive it, or run it. depending on how long its been like that all of the internal bearings could be shot, along with the cam and crank.



i would do a compression test on all 4 cylinders, if they have stable even numbers i would lean more towards the T cover.


you could also remove the valve cover, look down on the exhaust side of the T chain and look for 2 deep grooves worn into the T cover. the lack of a guide and the grooves would suggest its bad.

 

^^ compression test then T Cover.


either headgasket is shot (check first since its easier)
Then T cover.


or you can whip out your 12mm socket, 3/8ths ratchet and some other things, pull off your valve cover, and take a big flashlight and shine down the chain, feel for slack, and see if the driver's side guide is snapped or not. good luck

 

Dammit! I didn't think about the water damaging the bearings. I ran it for no more than 5 minutes just to test everything (mainly the A/C). I have no idea how much he drove it, though.

That's what I needed to know. I'll pick up a compression tester and let you guys know what I find. Thanks for the fast replies!

 

no problem!

If the t-cover is messed up, all i know is that people just weld it closed again haha.

good luck!

 

ya welding it should be fine, as long as you remember that its aluminum.


on a side note:

single row T chain and plastic guides are only good for 70-100k mi, and less if its driven hard.

 

Good stuff to know. Now I won't be surprised if things look trashed. I work in a fab shop (ornamental iron gates/fencing), but we don't do much aluminum. Hell, we bought a spool gun about 2 years ago and we're still on the first roll of wire. I wouldn't trust my welds on cast aluminum, anyway. I'll just buy a new cover since they seem to be readily available for $20-$50.

I just Googled around and found pics of the T-cover, what happens when the guides wear out, a write-up on replacing everything, and a few suppliers for new covers. The parts are cheap and it looks like something I should be able to accomplish in a weekend (I like to take my time). I won't be able to check the head gasket and other stuff for a few weeks because I'm getting married this Friday, then catching a boat to Mexico the next day. The truck will be there when I get back.

BTW, I'd like to mention once more that I really appreciate everyone's quick and helpful replies. On my S10 forums, I'm often the one offering the help and info, especially on the more common S10 issues. But, when I have a question, it's usually something not-so-common so it's hard for me to even get a response. Kinda like my truck questions stump everyone. I guess it's a relief to not know everything about something!