Got an 81 Elky 305 V8. Car is running great with the exception of a little roughness in the idle. Engine was rebuilt about 3 years ago and it has been a jewel since then.

Now I'm experiencing a very slow loss of coolant. I occasionally smell that slightly sweet smell of hot coolant. I have plugged off the heater core thinking I might have a leak there. :? I can't see anything leaking anywhere and I suspect a head gasket may be leaking. I don't see any oil in the cooling system, nor coolant in the crankcase. I don't see any bubbles in the radiator which is what I'd expect to see if I had a head gasket leaking.

Any ideas?
:?

Hi Glassman, 1st check all hose connections, it would not be the first time to have a weak hose clamp. Next if you have a rad. cap tester test the cap, then pressure up the radiator and check for hose leaks. Look real good around the engine for dried coolant. Hope that helps.
Rich

Check your water pump. Take a look to see if your heater core is leaking on your passenger side floor board.

Hey been a while,
i got coolant leaking, its about a gallon a month, i did a pressure test and detected no hose or radiator leaks, heater core is fine..
I got big bubbles ,like fish tank bubbles coming up in the radiator.
I ran it on a occiliscope and found a misfire on 2 cylinders- 4 and 6

Im looking for confirmation here any input?
If it is the head gasket i would appreciate any links or suggestions..
Thanks

Sounds like you have determined the correct course of action. Pull the passenger head and hopefully only end up having to replace the gasket but you better check that head really close for cracks.