QuestionI bought a 1966 IHC 1100 pickup recently. It has a V8. It has new brakes and kingpins. It shifts and rides smoothly. There is no leaks or strange noises. It is all original.
My question is about the exhaust. It has a pecurliar odor now,it smells a little like Blue Star Ointment. The only smoke I've seen is when it is first cranked over, it's whiteish. Any idea? It's starting is begining to slip also. Although the lights all work, they visibly pulsate with the current.
AnswerThe white smoke could indicate some fluid is getting into the intake manifold, so watch the brake fluid level, the coolant, and the transmission fluid level. If you aren't losing any of those fluids, perhaps the white smoke is just water vapor.
From the odor, though, I'm guessing your power brake booster is leaking brake fluid into the engine intake manifold, so check that carefully.
Lights pulsating when the engine is running is usually caused by a bad ground on the headlight return wire (the ground wire) or by the voltage regulator switching between charging rates as the battery recovers from a start. If your battery is staying fully charged, I think there is no real problem with the voltage regulator, so inspect all the wiring associated with the headlights and the alternator. This was common with the early alternator cars, there may be nothing wrong at all.
These are very tough trucks - just enjoy it - it will take you a very long way!
Dick.
