Replace the Engine
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Replace the Engine
Replace the engine
I carried my 96 C4 to a Chevy dealer last week because the 'Check engine soon' light was on and it has been running hot if left to idle for more than 5 mins. They did the diagnostics and found that it had a vacuum leak that was responsible for the light. They also did a 'block test' and determine that the engine was bad, probably had a blown head gasket and said they recommend a new engine. They also mention that oil was getting in the radiator which I could not see and that water was probably getting into the engine. This all started when the top radiator hose burst as I pulled into my garage. I stopped the car before the engine ran hot. So, I put on a new hose and decided to change the thermostat at the same time. I have seen blown head gaskets before and usually you can see oil in the water and water in the oil. I checked the oil and it was about a half quart low with no water on the dipstick or on the oil cap. I could not see any evidence of oil in the water and the engine runs the same as it did when it was new. So, do I have a bad engine or not?
I carried my 96 C4 to a Chevy dealer last week because the 'Check engine soon' light was on and it has been running hot if left to idle for more than 5 mins. They did the diagnostics and found that it had a vacuum leak that was responsible for the light. They also did a 'block test' and determine that the engine was bad, probably had a blown head gasket and said they recommend a new engine. They also mention that oil was getting in the radiator which I could not see and that water was probably getting into the engine. This all started when the top radiator hose burst as I pulled into my garage. I stopped the car before the engine ran hot. So, I put on a new hose and decided to change the thermostat at the same time. I have seen blown head gaskets before and usually you can see oil in the water and water in the oil. I checked the oil and it was about a half quart low with no water on the dipstick or on the oil cap. I could not see any evidence of oil in the water and the engine runs the same as it did when it was new. So, do I have a bad engine or not?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 53,579
Likes: 5,587
From: Plantation Florida USAF(Retired) 1966-1990
U.S. Air Force
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I would get a second opinion and you might want to get radiator system pressure checked to see if it bleeds down would show blown gaskets.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,488
Likes: 1,352
So it ran fine then a radiator hose failed. You turned the car off and didn’t overheat it. Changed hose and now it overheats. The cars not smoking, white smoke and there’s no sign of antifreeze in the oil. It sounds like it has an air pocket in the cooling system.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,488
Likes: 1,352
A blown head gasket does not dictate a new engine
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...B&gclsrc=aw.ds
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...B&gclsrc=aw.ds
