I lost some coolant. When I changed the oil, it was full. Now, the level is about 3/8" above the full level mark on the dip stick.

Yes, he can check compression and so can I (from my vintage motorcycle racing days). We will add that to the list of things to try.

 

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We see it in the discolored oil, and its now about 3/8" above the full mark on the dip stick

 

No coolant on the back of the engine near the heads and lower intake? The gasket looks good on visual inspection?

 

No external coolant leaks and head gasket looks fine - from what I can see of it.

Thanks for all the help so far! Will get a coolant pressure test done and possible compression test done this weekend when we both can get some additional eyeball time on it..

 

It's not easy to see, but it's hard to imagine it is anything but a cracked block, but I am no expert. I got a new engine at 120k, because of an overheat and cracked block, the shop didn't test the block, and that sort of cornered me into a new engine.

 

Thanks. I didn't own it when the head gasket went south, but it didn't have any water in the oil when I got it. We'll see what we find this weekend.

 

The valley pan gasket can leak coolant into the engine oil. The front cover gasket can also leak coolant into the engine oil. I'm all for doom and gloom but check your bases first.

 

The biggest thing people forget is to change the oil after a head gasket job. I see you did that.

Did you take the front cover off?