Tow Vehicle - Blown Head Gasket !!!!!

[Top'r]

Hope this is not too far off topic for the Bass Forum. I have blown a head gasket in my 1997 Tahoe while towing my boat. The shop I took it too did the dianostics, and said $2700.00 to repair. I'm still off work from shoulder re-construction surgery last fall, So $$$$$ is very tight. Most of it goes to Gene @ The HOOK anyway ..LOL...I found a product on the internet called THERMAGASKET, $127.00 with shipping. I wrote the company an Email, & the owner called me the next day. We spoke in detail for 15 minutes or so. And they have a 100% money back guarantee. Has anyone here ever heard of, or used this product? Thank you in advance for your replys....Clay Sutterfield

[Joe]

I haven't heard of this product, but your engine isn't anything to mickey mouse. I would have the head removed and inspected to see if its warped, cracked etc. In all probability if you go the quick fix route the problem will rear its ugly head again soon. Have it done right the first time. Good luck and hope your shoulder heals ok.

Joe

[Byron]

How did your mechanic determine that the head gasket was blown? Did he do a chemical test on the radiator? It would be very rare to blow a head gasket on a 97' 5.7L Vortec. If it is usually due to coolant leaking from the front of the engine and milkshake for oil it is the intake manifold gasket 99% of the time. The sh!tty plastic gasket brakes and alows coolant in and out of the block. The coolant mixes with the oil and you have a bad milkshake for oil. Change the oil and the intake gasket with the new "Permadry" gasket from Felpro and your good to go.

[Tin Can]

I would not use it. It's a bandaid and nothing more. You are just going to end up fixing it the right way later anyway. Bite the bullet and get it fixed right the first time.

You can buy the parts you need for probably a couple hundred bucks and do it yourself. Get the chiltons manual for your truck and go for it. It's really not that hard.

[Top'r]

I pulled the drain plug, No water in the oil, then check'd the radiator, No oil in the coolant either, replaced the thermostat. I drove it out to the shop. A friend followed me & said it looked like I was driving a steam engine. Water, & steam out of both exhaust. The shop mechanic did the testing & said There was exhaust gases in the radiator, and the number 8 cylinder is were the leak is. It still runs ok, with a slight miss. The Temp guage will SPIKE, & return to normal constantly, & the Service Engine Soon light comes on & off. Believe me,,, If I had the $$$$$$$$, & Have already had it fixed. Thanks for your imput,,,Clay

[Whoopbass]

I wouldn't use that product. It's probably the same stuff they call "waterglass" that you can buy at the drugstore for $5.00.
All of these miracle products have a money back guarantee since most people won't take the time to send it back and besides the manufacturer isn't really losing anything by offering the guarantee.

Did your Tahoe overheat?

If you don't want to fix it yourself give this guy a call. He fixed my Dad's car seemed like he knew his stuff. I can't say for sure but I think he would charge about half of what you were quoted.
I think he lives in Manteca but he travels.

Craig Van Horn
(209)679-8413

[Bill K]

The fact of exhaust looking as you describe does indicated the strong leaning towards a blown head gasket. I would (if you can afford to do so) get it repaired properly. Better for the long haul and also money ahead. As for the additive/product probably would not work as advertised. If the gasket is leaking around the #8, or any cylinder, it just will not hold for long. Bill K

[ScottyJ]

Yea if its blowing out the exhaust its a head gasket or the head is cracked. Definitely not something you want to put a bandaid on cuz if it gets to the point where the coolant is in the oil then you run a good chance of messing up your bearings and seals then you need a new engine. Shop around and get different quotes or even spend a weekend and do the work yourself. Its not too hard just time consuming, but definitely get it fixed right the first time.

[drew]

The leak fix in a bottle does not work. The heads have to be removed and inspected. If cracked they need to be replaced. If its the head gasket then the heads should be re-surfaced. If the heads have 80K+ miles you should have them rebuilt.

[basshunter4u]

I agree with JOE, fix it right the first time or like the old saying goes, you can pay me now or more later. Its not worth it or think of this, maybe your loved ones breaking down again and you not being there. How would that make you feel. especially if there was an accident involved

[Team Fugowee]

I've been a grease monkey for 30+ years. Go ahead and waste your $$$. But remember when you finally do go to fix it do me a favor, stay away from my shop. Whoever you bless to try and fix this mess, please tell them what you used. It will limit your choice of good shops to poor shops.

[MikeD]

coolant leaks in the top end are pretty common on the GM 350's of that era, my 95 k1500 has the intake coolant leak problem which is the lighter version of what you seem to be experiencing

seems funny/odd to me that you are seeing white smoke from the exhaust yet no indication of coolant in the oil - these 2 "usually" go together. another indicator is a brown rust like film under your oil filler cap that is located on your drivers side valve cover that looks like this:


sorry for the gi-normus image, couldnt resize it

if you are at all mechanically inclined this can be a DIY job, this write up on replacing the intake gasket will get you in the neighborhood and to the point where you would pull the heads.

http://www.market-place.com/intake/intake.htm

oh, and +1 on avoiding the gasket stuff