Step one, IMHO, is to pull the spark plugs and dipstick. Check
dipstick for oil level and condition. Look for unusual deposits on
plugs, colors, etc. Check around plug holes to see if the hole is
still intact. Note which plug came from which cylinder. I would then
place finger over each plug hole in turn while engine is cranked over
a couple of times. See if water might appear on finger, dirty oil,
pieces of metal (just kidding...), etc. If you're getting compression,
find out how much. Use compression gauge to quantify. Then report what
you find at that point to the list.

Been there a couple of times.
Hope for the best.
Jim C

On Aug 20, 2009, at 4:09 PM, Jeff Lincoln wrote:

> I know that no one can give me a definate answer but here is what
> happened:
>
> Coming home doing 55-60
>
> Look down coolant light is blinking - oil light is blinking (temp
> meedle is
> not above center).
>
> Pull over. Engine is hot - smoking - smells terrible. No bad sounds
> - was
> running fine when I turned off the key.
>
> Open coolant tank - there is coolant but very low. Add more coolant
> - when
> it gets into engine it boils - but then I can see the leak (appears
> to be a
> line but not exactly sure which one yet. No leaking from heads (at
> least not
> externally) or block.
>
> Left it behind to cool off - tried to see if it will start but it
> will not.
>
> So based on that vague description am I screwed or what? (again this
> is more
> of a venting post than looking for an actual answer - but your
> experience
> and advice always helps).
>
> --
> Thanks,
>
> Jeff
> '90 Carat (Grover)
> '86 (We call this one Parts)
> '78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus