The Verdict Is In: Blown Head Gasket; Now What?

[caterashaker]

OKay, guys & gals; here's the skinny: blown head gasket...confirmed. What do I do next? On my eariler thread, "Question For The A-Team," I was wondering what was causing the coolant & oil leak. Well, I'm wondering no more...it's DEFINITELY a blown head gasket. So, what next; engine swap repair it, crate engine ect. I'm in need of ALL of you to help me out here. My Catera is absolutely primo but this head gasket thing has me bummimg. The mechanics where I had the oil cooler repaired told me that the head gasket repair was out of their league because they've never done one before so they're not even going to try. What DID happen was this: I went by the Caddy dealership where I've buddied-up to several of the mechanics. Their expert Catera mechanic said that in all his years as a Caddy mechanic, he's only seen 1 legitamate blown head gasket on a 3.0 litre engine and that was on a CTS NOT a Catera. So, they go the cheap way first; they told me to try the Alum-Na-Seal repair. They told me that they've done this easy fix on North Stars, 3.0's ect. and it's worked 90% of the time. My mechanics poured this stuff in yesterday and so far so good. But I'm looking at the long term issue here. Anyone have experience with the head gasket reapir and/or a crate motor and where to get one? My Cat is a 1998 with 167,000+ miles on it and I'd really like to keep her so hit me with your best shot...THANKS!

[Boris]

I would look for a top end gasket set. They can't be that much if you stay away from Cadillac, if your local parts store or fel-pro doesn't have one you might try searching in Europe.

Pull the heads off (it really not that difficult) and inspect them or have a head shop inspect them for cracks.
Inspect the head gasket for the source of the leak and check the corresponding area on the head.

If the head/s are cracked you could find parts on ebay or if the cost is too great get a motor.

First thing I would do is tear it down and confirm what the damage is.

http://www.federal-mogul.com/en/

[1998catera]

i also have a 1998 and when i blew my gasket they ran some new stuff through that they got at a gm tech show...so far i have had no problems whatsoever...not even a sign of a leak...you should be good for quite awhile!

[guardian]

For me a no-brainer given the number of miles on your present engine. It owes you nothing and has served really well:

When (if) the Alum-Na-Seal gives up the ghost, just throw in a rebuilt engine and try for another 150,000+ miles. It's gonna cost you circa two grand but who cares. It is time and with the present engine you already are a winner. Trees do not grow to the sky. All things come to an end - eventually.

JMHO of course, as always.

[Marks DTM Calib]

SO....how does this sealent fix the oil leak then......

Did they detect hydrocarbons in the header tank.... (about THE only definative way of checking)

[MyOpel]

When was the last time you replaced the heater control valve?
The way it is positioned, when it fails it will spray coolant into the valley of the engine and then the coolant will run down the back passenger’s side onto the exhaust manifold.
I recently had this happen to me. The steam came out from under the hood and for some reason had the sent of oil. I replaced the control valve and all is fine.

[caterashaker]

Thanks guys for all your opinions. The oil is STILL leaking, for the most part, the liquid Alum-Na-Seal is holding, I changed the HCV over last summer and Mark, I don't know about the oil leak. I bought some Gummout Stop Oil Leak last night; too soon to tell if it's working. Guardian, you're absolutely right and I appreciate your thoughts. By the way, does anyone know where I can find a re-built engine?

[guardian]

Originally Posted by caterashaker

Thanks guys for all your opinions. . . . . . Guardian, you're absolutely right and I appreciate your thoughts. By the way, does anyone know where I can find a re-built engine?

Always happy to be of service.

I have not used this guy myself. But I believe others here have:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CADIL...spagenameZWDVW

You are going to have the cost of shipping, of course, and installation unless you do the work yourself. Bottom line is going to come in at circa two grand, perhaps a bit more depending on details.

You have to admit, though, it's a sharp looking power plant.

[caterashaker]

Guardian, that info is the bomb! THANK YOU VERY MUCH! 2 Grand for a new motor? Heck, I'll buy that, maybe not tomorrow but so. Thanks again to all of you guys.

[Searayjba]

If it helps, I had the same decision to make with a 1999 Cat, though not in as good shape as yours. Had already sunk $3K buying it when the head gasket blew. It had 103K miles on it, but the early Cat engines had a lot of problems (timing belt tensioner causing blown engines for one), so was not sure If rebuild was a good idea.
I contacted the guy with these engines on eBay. They bought a container full when the Cat went out of production. This is the 2003 engine so a lot of the problems were fixed on this engine, and he is well versed in these and very willing to discuss with you. He even talked with my mechanic when they had a small oil leak after the install. Cost was $1499 + $300 shipping (he air freights everything unless you are in LA area and can pick up.)
I've had the engine in for about 6 months without problems. Runs like a top. Now I just have the ETBCM and Air Bag light problems, but that's another story.
I would highly recommend this guy. Good luck.