Water in tailpipe, rough idle on start,

kreeger · #1 (**permalink**) 01-07-07, 06:45 PM

adding alot of coolant, engine sometimes dies when come to a stop, temp at about 230,

Are these symptoms of a blown head gasket? If it is can I replace the engine with a 350? I am halfway serious. 1999 deville, thanks

**Ranger** · #2 (**permalink**) 01-07-07, 07:49 PM

Yes, they are symptoms, but not a dead sentence. Do a cylinder pressure test to be sure. No, I don't think a 350 is doable. BTW, what year and engine are we talking about?

zonie77 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-07-07, 08:47 PM

Yeah, what Ranger said!

What kind of car are you talking about?????????????

kreeger · #4 (**permalink**) 01-07-07, 11:56 PM

sorry, northstar , 1999 deville, 4.6L

kreeger · #5 (**permalink**) 01-08-07, 07:24 AM

thank you for the feedback. It's pretty sad that an engine can't make 100k without a major repair. I had to start adding coolant around 90k. I hear it's around $3500 to replace the head gasket. No wonder GM is sinking. Fortunately I bought it used for about 10k and have gotten about 30k of driving.

zonie77 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-08-07, 10:08 AM

HG's are becoming a common problem on many brands, not just Caddy. The more aluminum, the more chance of corrosion.

It is possible to do the HG's yourself if so inclined. That would be much easier than trying to put a 350 in.

CADILLAC TECH12 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-14-07, 10:56 PM

I wouldnt recomend attempting the repairs your self, you may have to replaced all the head bolt threads with tme serts which require special tools. Often the threads are damaged from coolant and oil soaking the into therads and causing the aluminum threads to pull out. $1500 is a resonable price for the job done. Done by some one on the side and not a shop.

**Ranger** · #8 (**permalink**) 01-14-07, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CADILLAC TECH12

I wouldnt recomend attempting the repairs your self, you may have to replaced all the head bolt threads with tme serts which require special tools. Often the threads are damaged from coolant and oil soaking the into therads and causing the aluminum threads to pull out. $1500 is a resonable price for the job done. Done by some one on the side and not a shop.

WOW, another Tech.

and thanks for chipping in.

kreeger · #9 (**permalink**) 01-14-07, 11:49 PM

Thanks, I probably just hang on to it until I can find someone to do it. I know I wouldn't get anything for it on a trade in.

clarkz71 · #10 (**permalink**) 01-15-07, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CADILLAC TECH12

I wouldnt recomend attempting the repairs your self
you may have to replaced all the head bolt threads with tme serts which require special tools.

You might be surprised to find out that several members on this forum have already done this job, including time-serting their blocks in their garages. There are several tech's on here, myself included, but most members that just like to work on their own cars.