Bad Monday Morning, or Blown Head Gasket?

[Cheapass Ron <rapieper@yahoo.com>]

So, I'm going to work this morning, head out of the subdivison, then
onto a bigger street, up a slight hill, accelerating moderately.  Then,
pooof...down to about 1/2 power...WTH??  Some blue smoke from the
tailpipe.   I downshift to maintain speed, the road levels off, the oil
pressure warning buzzer goes off, I pull off and shut down NOW.  Lift
the hood, there's my new Mobil 1 all over the front of the engine!!  I
take a risk firing it up and quickly check for the source....it's from
the filter gasket.

Walking home I notice the big splash in the road where something gave
way and the resulting trail of oil leading to my car.

Thanks to Amica Insurance, got a quick no-charge tow home (1/2 mile
maybe).

Sooo....compression check tonight!!  Right now I'm thinking the head
gasket went, pressurizing the block (since the crankcase vent system
wouldn't have the capacity to absorb that much flow) and blew out the
filter gasket.  Coolant is OK.  Oil in crankcase is clean (no water). 
No odd noises from the engine.

Any other thoughts on what could have caused the immediate loss of
pressure and the pumping of oil from the engine?

The good part is that if I am optimistic, I now might have a
opportunity to work some wonderful magic underhood...if that head comes
off, it ain't going back on without a rebuild and some port work etc.! 
Stay tuned...


=====
Ron (Cheapass)
'87 16V, ("Victor"), '93 Cabby ("Teufelhasen")
ICQ 108845455

Stupid is as stupid does.
-F. Gump

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