engnbldr, thanks for the reply. If this turns out to be the case, wouldn't I be seeing oil in the coolant or coolant in the oil? What should I look for in determining if this is what is happening? I am running a compression test tonight and will post the results tomorrow. What you said makes sense to me, but I am really keeping my fingers crossed it turns out to be something minor <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" />.

Any and all input is really appreciated. I have been reading through both the Chilton and Haynes manuals, but nothing replaces real world experience with these situations.