Seville STS --Head Gasket problem

Kyblue · #1 (**permalink**) 07-08-04, 08:04 PM

I need some advice. My 1997 Seville STS, 89000 mi has been diagnosed with a head gasket leak allowing antifreeze to seep into a cylinder while parked overnight. Starting car in morning gives a short (10 - 15 sec) period where car runs rough. After this timeframe it clears up and runs fine. Problem-- my local dealership said the repair would cost around $4,000! Evidently most of this cost is in labor? I cant affort this financially. Does this sound reasonable? Is this job one that should be performed by the Cadillac dealership or could a more reasonable garage be trusted (or qualified) to do the job? Does anyone have any suggestions here? Any comments welcomed.

Kyblue

rodneely@yahoo.com

LacSeville · #2 (**permalink**) 07-08-04, 08:51 PM

use the search feature. this has been discussed many times. hope that helps.

**Ranger** · #3 (**permalink**) 07-08-04, 10:28 PM

It can be done by an indepentent but be sure he is familiar with the Northstar. I would also want to know that mine is not his first. I have heard figures of $3000-$4000 so that does not sound out of line for a dealer. Probably about a 20 hr. job. The engine (drivetrain) needs to be dropped out the bottom of the car and the block should be "timeserted".
http://caddyinfo.netgetgoing.com/howto/nsrepair.htm

johntheone · #4 (**permalink**) 05-10-07, 03:31 PM

ttt
for the same problem

**Playdrv4me** · #5 (**permalink**) 05-10-07, 03:34 PM

John, not sure what the bump was for (seems like the issue was answered) but as referenced above, use the search feature. There are a million bajillion posts here about headgaskets so you are sure to find what youre looking for with a little patience.

z06bigbird · #6 (**permalink**) 05-10-07, 07:04 PM

Might be cheaper to trade cars if you can be reassured newer one does not have same problem. Or bump down to a LeSabre with a 3800 engine (bulletproof--200,000 miles easy.