head gasket problems?

Ok I think my head gasket is oficially started to really go. This morning when I started my truck I noticed it was idling funny, like really bad where it would almost shut off, didin't think anything of it I thought it was because I needed gas, I got gas and it still did it but not as bad went to autozone to get some things- put some oil in my truck with some rislone stuff( for the tapping) along with some lucas fuel stuff. Anyway it still did it - and it feels like it's getting worse, to the point where I have to get it to a certain temp to drive and that means choking the shit out of anyone around witn as much as it's smoking( bluish tint smoke) It was crazy it was even blowing smoke rings from my exhaust, it's sputters when I first drive but after about 6 or 7 miles it starts to run fine like nothings wrong, even when I stop at red lights it idles fine after 6 or 7 miles. My question is, is it my head gasket or another problem? If it is how long do I have where it won't run at all? and how much is that shit gonna cost to fix??

sounds to me like a clogged cat, or u might have a cracked head in between the valves

anyone else wanna give me a diagnosis?

Do a compression check on your engine. Compression testers cost around $25.. very simple to use. And such a test will tell you flat out what is going on inside your engine. Well.. it will tell me anyway Cheers and record your results in this thread so I can see whats going on in your engine.

Tunes67

sounds like your head gasket is gone, i recommend not driving it to not risk the fact of cracking now head. I blew a head gasket about 2 months ago and had the same effects as to what ur doing. Midnightmike will suggest taking the cap off ur radiator after ur truck is cooled down, then start it up and if fluid shoots out your head gasket is blown.

I re-did my had gasket for $125, thats with new timing chain and oil pump chain. so really $85 for it.

thanks guys, i'll try that compression thing, where do I buy a compression tester, autozone, pepboys?

Any decent autoparts store should have a compression tester for sale. Sears will also carry them.. and better quality ones.. but they usually cost more there. The Radiator trick Slammed mentioned would show if you had a blown head gasket.. in one way. There are many ways and locations where a head gasket can blow. Also.. the blue smoke you are shooting out... is it consistant? Or does it show up at startup then go away? Or maybe you see it when you shift? There is a LOT of information that a compression test can reveal about your engine.. It can reveal weak compression rings.. burned valves.. blown head gaskets.. etc.. definately a tool worth having on hand. Cheers

Tunes67

Also as a side note.. that Rislone shit is bad mojo for your engine.. it will gum up and varnish engine components.. Only time I would use that stuff is when your motor is completely toast but you need to pass a emissions test one more time LOL

Tunes67

thanks for the help, the blue smoke only appears at startup( that I can see) update: my truck is still idling low and bouncing like it wants to conk out but when I give it gas it stays at normal idle but smells like pure gas, there's nothing leaking anywhere so I don't know what's up, it runs fine though after it's warmed up, but the smell is constant- I was in McD's drive thru last night and I thought the lady was gonna pass out from the smell.. lol

I think you were right Mike, every time I get to around 3000 rpm it starts sputtering really bad, real lack of power, but when I ease up on the gas it's fine, if I gently give it gas it doesn't sputter- I rolled my window down to listen to it, and it does sound exhuast related- so I'm guessing you were right when you said it was a clogged cat- i'm gonna put it in the shop tommorrow to have them check in out