Can you figure this one out??

[made2care]

86 Interstate. Compression 150 on all 4 cylinders. Runs great. Coolant level in reservoir keeps dropping but very slightly . Exhaust is modified and I have water( sooty) / coolant that will sometimes pour out of exhaust joint. Amount that drips out is not even 1/4 cup. No visible coolant in oil. No oil in radiator or reservoir.
Suspect cylinder plug is white but not bad. Brand new water pump and seals. No coolant exiting weep hole.
One would think there is a slight head gasket issue but I do not have steam out the exhaust.
Thoughts?

[Rambozo]

Test the coolant for hydrocarbons. You can get test fluid at any good autoparts store.
Pressure test cooling system, see how long it holds pressure and if any coolant can be forced to show itself.

[made2care]

Just what I suspected. Breached head gasket. Coolant in # 3!

[lcdrjoe]

Be careful when you put the head bolt back in the center bottom hole. I lost the washer down that hole below it and was almost miraculous that I was able to fish it out with a magnet. I'm really careful when taking the head off now because of that. The washer stuck to the head, till I pulled the bolt out, then came free, and went right down that hole into the engine.

[made2care]

Okay… new head gasket is on and all is good. I spent $70 on Honda OEM gasket as opposed to some cheap $7 ones.
The water that was leaking out left tailpipe joint is no more. Bike is running great! Did have an issue with coolant level in reservoir slowly dropping… turned out to be the radiator cap.
Just a note that I tried an aftermarket radiator cap and it did not work… went with OEM and all is good.
Now…. I can finally start my build!!