Hello. I'm staring down the barrel of a head gasket replacement on my 1980 270 (TL20B). I had a sudden loss in power on my way to work and a fresh new pinhole leak in my radiator along with coolant leaking from the head gasket. My question is in regard to cause. It seems like there was a spike in pressure (likely in the coolant system).
If I replace the head gasket, I don't want to immediately blow another one because I didn't take care of the root cause of the failure.
Do these symptoms raise any red flags anyone? Water pump? Oil pump? There is a lot of buildup in the radiator, could some of that corrosion be stuck somewhere, causing pressure to build and burst at the seams?
Is there an engine that is a better swap? I love the truck, but sometimes it feels like I'm driving a lawn mower down the highway.
I know just enough to be dangerous, so if anyone could advise, I would appreciate it.
