symbiot3

Dirty Vegas-- "Electric Love"

Awesome wagon you have.  I've an '81 210 wagon that I am bringing back from the brink of death.  My "Billygoat" served me well for almost a decade, and blew his #3 piston 2 years ago.  Good to see another 210 wagon;)

So an update on this situation. Sorry folks, but i have failed. I managed to troubleshoot the cause of the issue to a leaking radiator, which caused the engine to overheat, & blow the head gasket. Got parts ordered (head, valve cover, thermostat, exhaust manifold gaskets, thermostat, EGR valve, temp sending unit), & had the radiator repaired. Started the teardown process, & have been stuck on the last of the exhaust nuts near the firewall (friggin attached bracket blocks any tool i possess from reaching it). After two months, i'm getting smart, & taking the old girl to a mechanic who knows how to address this issue. My apologies to you all, but replacing a head gasket is beyond my expertise- even with the aid of three different manuals. Thank you all for your advice, suggestions, & information freely given.

Gotcha on that. My thanks.

Just picked up the radiator for the '80 210.  Leak repaired, and component pressure tested-- the tech forewarned that it is getting old (makes me nervous-- will be posting for replacement radiator for both my 210's soon).  Ordering new hoses, gaskets, thermostat, Temp sending switch, PCV & EGR (why not?) from Rock Auto, along with associated head/exhaust gaskets, in preparation for the work to be done.  Pulling head as soon as cooling sys. replacement parts are in.  Question(s).... once I pull her head, & do an initial cleaning (with gasoline), what should I be looking for, with regards to possible damaged valves, valve stem/guides/seats?

Awesome, Cosmonaut! Thank you!

Cosmonaut, thank you for including that part of the cooling system components. I've never done a heater core flush before. I take it the core needs to remain in the car, or am I wrong? Taking into consideration the issues I am working to rectify were caused by a leaking radiator, flushing the core would be highly relevant. Are there any posts on how to execute this action, or could you kindly advise me as to how to go about it? Please advise.

Gotcha on all. Many thanks folks!

Gotcha on that. Thank you. What else might I check for damage, from this overheating problem, while I have this girl torn apart (hoses, wiring, thermostat, PCV or EGR valves)?

Indeed, koparts, off with her head, lol. Thank you, DatzenMike, for compression info. Any suggestions on reputable machine shops in SW Washington, & proven head gasket brands?

Finally got around to this issue. Pulled plugs- #'s 2 & 3 had coolant on them still. #'s 2,3, & 4 had been fouled with crusted coolant. Compression test results were as follows: (dry/wet)- #1 (130/150), #2 (80/80), #3 (0/10), #4 (15/30).

What are the compression specs for an '81 210/B310 A15 engine?

What are the compression specs for the 210 A15 engine

Thank you, KoheartsGPA. Will pull & have head checked.

Sounds like a blown head gasket, possible cracked the head too...they aren't hard to find, pull it, get it checked.

Didn't discover radiator leak until the car stopped, Friday. Wouldn't have driven it with a coolant leak- I know that leads to big trouble.

White steam from head & valve cover, from what I could see yesterday Eve. Radiator leak also (source of problem)- not holding coolant.

White........ steam from coolant.... over heating or head gasket blown.

Black........ fuel... over richness... carb flooding

Blue......... oil burning..... usually engine damage.

Thank you, all. Checking g her out as soon as I get home from work. You guys are all awesome- thank you! Will reply with what I find out

This is awesome, thank you for posting!!! I'll be doing this on my "Billy Goat" in the coming days.

Our '80 210 just stopped on the highway. Needing assistance- anyone know of mechanics near Padden PKWY, Ext 32, in Vancouver, WA? Car has power & fuel. Car decelerated & died smoking- will crank, but not start. Fuel in fuel filter looks uncontaminated. Waiting for her to cool down to check water level. Have tools on site already. Please advise- 17:09

Awesome!!!!

Gotcha on that.  Thank you for your response, and advice.  I recently changed his oil-- dipstick is just a little above normal.  Before the oil change, I was addiing 1qt of oil every week, or so, and replacing air filters every 3 weeks.  My Billy Goat's getting old, I know, and probably needs an overhaul.

My '81 210 has been blowing oil back into his air filter and housing for the past few months.  I've tried everything to address this issue, from replacing the pcv valve, to readjusting his valves (something he needed regardless), but he keeps eating air filters.  Any advise on this issue?  Please advise.

Very well done!!!!  You have quite a Beauty there.