Blown head gasket

[Katshot]

Originally Posted by Allante North *

That's chocolate and Vanilla Kat. Take your pick. Aside from the tried and true V8 in many production GM vehicles, the Northstar is the only high performance V8 out there that has come along in recent history. It being aluminum is the source of the problem. It gets hot and sh*t happens. I love my Northstar, but it might crap out on me tomorrow. I hope not, but it could happen to me or it could happen to you in your car if not properly maintained. Most drivers do not do there own work and rely on someone else to do it. If something goes wrong, who you gonna point the finger at? I would bet most folks wouldn't point it at themselves, RIGHT.

I would defend the Northstar, but I know more about it than most folks out there because I chose to learn about it. I love the way she screams at WOT and redlines at near 7000 rpm's. If you were to tach your motor that high, we would see the pistons come through the hood and a puddle of 10W30 on the ground. You wouldn't do it because you know what you are doing, but most folks haven't got a clue. They take their car to Pep Boys or Jiffy Lube and think they are on top of things not knowing that the dingleberry working on there car dosen't give a rip or know about adding coolant pellets to the cooling system.

So bottem line is you take your Vette motor in your Caddy(Vanilla), and I'll take my Northstar(Chocolate) and we both drive away happy.

See, THAT's the problem. You and others ACCEPTING the shortcomings of the engine as though ALL aluminum engines have head gasket problems and suck oil like it's going out of style. THEY DON'T, IT DOES. End of story. And what the HELL does an engines redline have to do with its build quality or overall integrity? My WEED-EATER has a higher redline than a Northstar, SO WHAT? Like it or not, by the numbers, Northstars can't hold a candle to the reliability of an LT1 let alone many other V8s. How many high-output aluminum V8s out there do you see with the kind of failure rate of the Northstar head gaskets? Answer, NONE.
If Cadillac customers would STOP taking it on the chin and smiling about it, Cadillac would be FORCED to improve their product. Like it or not, Cadillac aluminum engines have cost them a HUGE amount of money and customers over the years.

[elwesso]

Originally Posted by Allante North *

That's chocolate and Vanilla Kat. Take your pick. Aside from the tried and true V8 in many production GM vehicles, the Northstar is the only high performance V8 out there that has come along in recent history. It being aluminum is the source of the problem. It gets hot and sh*t happens. I love my Northstar, but it might crap out on me tomorrow. I hope not, but it could happen to me or it could happen to you in your car if not properly maintained. Most drivers do not do there own work and rely on someone else to do it. If something goes wrong, who you gonna point the finger at? I would bet most folks wouldn't point it at themselves, RIGHT.

I would defend the Northstar, but I know more about it than most folks out there because I chose to learn about it. I love the way she screams at WOT and redlines at near 7000 rpm's. If you were to tach your motor that high, we would see the pistons come through the hood and a puddle of 10W30 on the ground. You wouldn't do it because you know what you are doing, but most folks haven't got a clue. They take their car to Pep Boys or Jiffy Lube and think they are on top of things not knowing that the dingleberry working on there car dosen't give a rip or know about adding coolant pellets to the cooling system.

So bottem line is you take your Vette motor in your Caddy(Vanilla), and I'll take my Northstar(Chocolate) and we both drive away happy.

Sounds VERY familar........ 32 valves running at almost 7000 rpm!! Its a wonderful thing!!!

[garryday]

Well, the owner of the dealership really blew me away. This is a large Lexus dealership in my area and he called telling me to just come get my money. This is after they sold my car without my signing off on it. I finally wound up buying a 2000 ESC without the features the 97 had but I got it for 14,200.00 so it seems like a deal. I just want to figure out how to put a bose system in it. Can I use one from another car? What about "Theftlock".
Garry

Originally Posted by eehoepp

You want this to be your dream car & not your worst nightmare. I think you should demand your money back and find another car. You bought a car in good faith and it crapped out before you got it home. Has the dealer arranged a suitable alternative vehicle for you to drive while they are "fixing" the engine? You have no idea of the history of the salvage engine, nor I presume its mileage. What happens if the salvage engine craps out in another month? The salvage yard probably gives a nominal guarantee, but that will only be for the engine and not the labour. Even worse, if it tanks in 13 months, you're SOL.

You should probably spend some time reading the fine print of your extended warrantee or contract of sale to see exactly where you stand. I think you'd have a strong case for a refund if you took it to court (but then nobody really wins). Some negative publicity - or the threat thereof - may force the dealer's hand.

Or the "repair" may be done and the car gives you many thousands of absolutely trouble-free miles and years of enjoyment. Are you willing to take that chance?

Gotta love the "dreams" you get when you polish off a big bowl of extra-spicy three bean chili just before bedtime...

[elwesso]

Gary..... In regards to your radio related question, please post a new thread in the infotainment section

[MIKE P]

Lois, Did you get anywhere with the dealer? I have a maintained 97 with a blown head gasket, 67k miles.

Originally Posted by loisalynn

C




[color=navy]I am a one-owner of a 1997 ETC. Leased for 3 yrs, then purchased the car. I have loved the vehicle. However, after the warranty ran out, I've had nothing but problems with my car. I also owned a '94 ETC and had no problems whatsoever. I have spent at least $6K in repairs since 48,000 miles. Everything, from an oil leak to the coolant problems to the A/C not working. My car overheated at 71,000 miles. The dealer quoted me $12,000 to repair it. I've now been without a car for 2 weeks. I know of another person whose '97 did the same thing at 70,000 miles. So, it is a problem that Cadillac is becoming well aware of for the 1997's. My car has been perfectly maintained. I've had oil changes every 3,000 miles. I go to a full-service station once a week to fill my car, and they check everything out. This problem is not the result of a poorly maintained vehicle. This is a problem associated with the '97's. It needs to be repaired by a qualified garage. I don't think the non-Cadillac garage is a huge issue IF they have previously dealt with Northstars. If not, I'd run to the nearest dealer and call Cadillac to see if they will help pay for it. Just call a Caddy dealer and ask them for the Cadillac Customer Service #. I don't know if Cadillac will do anything for a person who bought from other than Cadillac, BUT....it's worth a try. They screwed up on the 1997 ETC's. By the way, I've loved my car too. It is a wonderful vehicle, but paying as much as I paid for my car ($53,000) to get only 71.000 miles is not acceptable to me. Let me know what happens, and I'll try to keep you informed about my situation also. Good Luck! Lois

[Salb]

[quote=eldo]Well I suppose you can add me to the long list of "97 ETC with
head gasket problems, just happened a couple of weeks ago. Since then
I have spent close to a thousand dollars because of the "Check Coolant
Level" light, only to be told that I have a possible blown head gasket.
Undecided on what to do next, new engine, rebuilt, used or have it repaired. I am able to still drive the car as if nothing at all is wrong with
it, only that I have to add coolant every three to five days when the
"Check Coolant Light" comes on. It's a very beautiful car, but sometimes
I wonder if it's all worth it.

Same story for me, except mine is a '93. (pun unintended)

I guess I am lucky as I am at about 260,000 km. Occasional white smoke exhaust, have to top-up coolant every 600km, and, I think, the slight sweet smell of coolant in the car, (no fogging of windows, though) even with the air and heater off (could this be coming right from the engine compartment?) Probably not healthy.

Coolant temp will range from 93C to 125C (under 100C 95% of the time though.) I have learned to drive it so that it will not overheat to the warning point. Still gets great mileage. Dealer, for reasons explained in other posts in this area, suggests new engine. Is this problem as common with 93' model year as with '97's? If I went for a new engine, with proper maintenance, are the odds that it will last into the 200k's or beyond?

If not for the coolant smell, I would just keep rolling as is. The problem does not 'seem' to be getting any worse. It gets me where I want, and it is such a beautiful car.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[javachicklet]

I didnt know you could still drive with a blown head gasket.



My sad story is that I just traded in my 91' Brougham for a 98' Deville, and when I went to get it inspected 11 days later my mechanic told me that my head gasket was cracked. naturally i have no warranty... I had no idea this was a big issue and was unfamiliar with the Northstar engine.

[blb]

Originally Posted by garryday

I do have the option of a refund (and hopefully my trade in back) if I choose. Right now the dealership is trying to locate a comperable eldorado. I'm on vacation so I'll just have to wait and see what he comes up with when i return.

Take the refund and don't look back. Consider yourself lucky that you found out about the problems with the Northstar while you still can unload it without financial loss.

[1996deVille]

Yep, get out of this deal as fast as you can!!!

I've put thousands of dollars in my '96 (bought at 68K) - almost all DIY. These cars are a nightmare past 50K. You'll save big money and lots of time buying at 20K, or so, and trading in right before 50K. The money you put up front will be far less than the repair $$$$ from 50K on up.

My bad, I should've known better, my '79 was just the same...

Much success.

[mtflight]

Guys, the original post is 2 years old.

[Ranger]

Originally Posted by 1996deVille

These cars are a nightmare past 50K. You'll save big money and lots of time buying at 20K, or so, and trading in right before 50K. The money you put up front will be far less than the repair $$$$ from 50K on up.

I bought my car with 20K on it. I just turned 100K. So far I have replaced tires, plugs, wires and blower motor. Hardly a "nighmare".

[wisguy]

I have a blown head gasket on my 1998 Eldorado which has a Northstar engine. Estimates to repair it have ranged from $2,000 to $4,000 and they won't guarantee their work. Many mechanics don't even want to touch the job. The car is in otherwise excellent shape.
My question is, do you know of anyone that has had success using products such as Thermagasket (Welcome to RX Auto. Makers of Thermagasket Industrial Head and Block Sealant) or any other similar type sealant?

[dkozloski]

Forget it! Doesn't work.

[CadillacSTS2003]

"Thanks Again.... I called you guys because my Northstar had an overheating problem and my local mechanic told me it must have a blown head gasket because of the process of elimination with MY MONEY NEW RADIATOR, WATER PUMP TO THE TUNE OF $1100.00 The car was still overheating. I called you to order and you spent the time (Approx 45 Minutes) explaining to me how these cars are notorious for holding air in the block as well as a line in the intake plugging up. We cleared the line like you explained and purged the cooling system like you explained..... NO MORE OVERHEATING.... I have enclosed a $100.00 Bill for your time even though it was worth far more! I will scream from the highest mountains how good of service you guys offer."

thats from their site. they provide good info no doubt, but if they thought their product would of worked on the N* they prob would of tried to make a sale rather than actually help him!

[Ranger]

Originally Posted by wisguy

I have a blown head gasket on my 1998 Eldorado which has a Northstar engine. Estimates to repair it have ranged from $2,000 to $4,000 and they won't guarantee their work. Many mechanics don't even want to touch the job. The car is in otherwise excellent shape.
My question is, do you know of anyone that has had success using products such as Thermagasket (Welcome to RX Auto. Makers of Thermagasket Industrial Head and Block Sealant) or any other similar type sealant?

AKA "Hope in a Bottle". It doesn't work.