Blown Head Gaskets Solution

QueensLacMan · #1 (**permalink**) 06-10-07, 09:50 PM

I got a call from the shop this weekend and learned that my head gaskets are leaking. For sure. How bad? - I have no idea. But it's final. I've accepted this. Time to move forward.

I'm thinking of trying this Steel Seal product. I'm wondering if anyone has used it.

The car as is runs well. No smoke. No shaking. Nothing. Aside from the car overheating when I drive it hard, there are NO signs of a damaged head gasket. If it's not 100 degrees out and I don't use the AC, and I just drive around at the speed limit, the car won't even overheat.

So... I'm thinking my gasket condition isn't that bad... yet. Maybe - and a mechanic suggested this - this is just the START of the gaskets going.

With that said, does anyone think one of these sealant products can help my situation? I don't believe it will fix the problem, but if it can IMPROVE it some, maybe I can use the car just around the neighborhood. Maybe I can increase its short-term value and get rid of it for a little more money (I would, of course, disclose the situation to any private buyer, but I think I'd increase my chances of selling it if the car could at least survive a test drive without overheating).

Any short-term fixes? Any advice?

**Ranger** · #2 (**permalink**) 06-10-07, 10:54 PM

Save your money. The snake oil does not work. Ask rfishing. If you head gaskets have been confirmed as being bad and you have no symptoms, it is likely in the early stages and will slowly get worse.

rfishing · #3 (**permalink**) 06-11-07, 03:31 AM

Do not waste your time with that stuff. I did an extensive review on here with my car and "thermagasket." Seriously it just a learning lesson that I shared with everyone on here. You can probably read about it, if you can find it under search method. Search "Thermogasket", and see how it worked temporarily but then gave out.

Sorry to hear about yet another Norstar engine eating a head gasket. So sad, so expensive...

misfit6794 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-11-07, 11:18 AM

If only it were that easy to fix headgaskets.... I wouldn't drive the car, especially if its getting hot pretty quick, unless you plan on replacing instead of repairing the motor. You really run the risk of warping one of the heads, or getting a vavle to hit one of the pistons. You've also got coolant making its way down the exhaust and thatll ruin some o2 sensors real quick. Coolant is also getting into your oil, and being run through the entire oil system.

z06bigbird · #5 (**permalink**) 06-11-07, 11:28 AM

If you want a smooth riding, fairly large car, jump to a LeSabre. They have the 3800 engine, and most of them go for almost 200,000 miles.

A lot less technology = more $$ in your pocket. Not quite a cadillac, but no worries about major oil leaks, headgaskets, starters, struts, and the small stuff.

Now, I just sold a red 97 SDV with 27k on it. Never any problems, but I always worried about the potential.

Another suggestion is a Fleecewood Brougham. There are still some of them out there with 40k miles on them. They typically use prem gas, except for the 95 and 96.

In the late 80s and early 90s, the Fleecewoods used the 305 and the 350 engines. Cheap parts and repairs.

The later models with the LS1 engine have a potential for a water pump leak to screw up the distributor. GM put the water pump right over the distrib. Where does water go????

Otherwise, they are great cars. Extremely smooth ride.

I have my eye (my other eye is not that good) on a white 96 Fleecewood Brougham with 20k miles on it. Little old lady will probably never sell it. I might have to engage one of the mafia to assist me in getting this car.

Oh, one other car would work for you. 89 to 93 (or so) Caddy with 4.5 or 4.9 with low miles.

Good luck.

mike0580a · #6 (**permalink**) 06-11-07, 12:37 PM

Late 90s early 2000s Pontiac Bonneville SSEI (supercharged 3800), with 1k above the cost of the car you can easily have a 300whp front wheel drive luxury sedan.

If you're anwhere near San Diego, I know where there's a 90 Deville with the 4.9 for $1500.

JC316 · #7 (**permalink**) 06-11-07, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfishing

Do not waste your time with that stuff. I did an extensive review on here with my car and "thermagasket." Seriously it just a learning lesson that I shared with everyone on here. You can probably read about it, if you can find it under search method. Search "Thermogasket", and see how it worked temporarily but then gave out.

Sorry to hear about yet another Norstar engine eating a head gasket. So sad, so expensive...

Bah, not that expensive. Got mine fixed for less than $600, but with no labor charges, due to the fact that I was the poor son of a bitch doing them.