Alright got a 2.8 super cheap because it had some problems. It leaks oil and smokes from the engine (when the oil leaked on the manifold). The guy I bought it from said it was the head gaskets (which right away I thought was probably not the case but at the cost he was selling me the car, I couldn’t lose). I figured it was more likely leaking from the valve covers. Well I put some dye in the engine today then put it up on jacks and lit up the black light. The entire bottom of the engine compartment lit up like a xmas tree so I couldn’t really locate the source!

So anyway Im going to be doing the timing belt in the next few days and figure I’d do the head gaskets while Im at it. I still am having trouble believing its the head gaskets but I figure it should only take me a weekend to do the whole shaabang (timing belt, head gasket, all upper intake and valve cover gaskets) maybe 4 days tops.

My question is this. Have any of you guys heard of a 2.8l with a blown headgasket? Iv been looking and it doesn’t seem to be a problem on these cars.

Btw mine as the AHA 30 valve engine.

 

heard of it a few times but doesnt really seem to be one of those big issues

 

Not a major problem usually but they do blow.

Have the engine steam cleaned so you can see where the leak is.

 

I doubt its the head gasket as well (that's below the exhaust manifold) so would run down the engine rather than on the exhaust, rocker cover on the other hand is above the manifold so ill guess its the rocker cover gasket

 

yeah on further inspection i think its most likley the cam seal but since i already ordered the head gasket kit i may still do the head gaskets while im doing the timing belt. i havent ordered the head bolts yet. when i pull it apart ill decide weather or not to do the headgaskets but im definetly doing the valve cover gaskets as well as the cam seals ect.