should i....

[h1h0silver]

since last time car overheated and steam came out of exhaust tips, its in trouble. very, very difficult to start. once it does start have to keep on throttle to keep running. what things do i need to inspect other than heads?
should i just tear the front and top ends apart and look at it all?

 

[DHMag]

do a compression test. after reading each cylinder pressure, check the radiator. any bubbles ? if so, its a head gasket. could be the gasket failed. or overheating occurred and warped the head or cracked the block. further inspection is required.

 

[h1h0silver]

how would i do a compression test? looks as if the intake manifold is in the way. not as easy as my 302.

 

[DHMag]

disconnect DIS, remove all plugs, label each cylinder wire, attach compression hose to required adapter and install into plug well, hand tight will suffice, place gauge where viewable thru open hood and cowl, push throttle pedal to floor completely, crank engine via ignition switch 3-4 revolutions. watch for the gauge to stop climbing. if you stop cranking and the guage bleeds off, redo the cylinder, as one of the valves are slightly open. it may take 2-3 times to get an average reading. at this time, check the radiator to look for bubbles. if none present, then there is no head gasket leak on that cylinder.

i normally run test each cylinder 2 times to insure a proper reading. also, do it when the engine is cold.

 

[SHO--ripper]

Check for coolant in the oil.

 

[h1h0silver]

couldn't ever check for coolant in oil because i used water (less expensive for the amount lost). so you can get a compression tester in there w/o removing intake manifold? hmmm....owell, too late for that. got most of the top end apart today (intake, fuel rails, injectors, valve covers). lots of carbon buildup in the intake manifold. normal? camshafts look superb. found oil in plug wells 2,3,5,6. all plugs looked horrible. looking through plugwells, piston 2,3,5,6 have much buildup on it. injectors looked ok. no buildup on them. injector screens not clogged. reusable? will start on the front end so i can pull the heads tomorrow. here are some pictures....umm...how do i add pictures?