What do you think - engine issue?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
From: Zionsville IN
What do you think - engine issue?
I have a 95 coupe - I had a leak somewhere which Chevrolet had to change the radiator. So I had it towed to them. Without the leak the car ran perfectly otherwise. Well when the radiator got switch they did an overall pressure test of the radiator system witch is pretty standard to do, but I hear it's not good to do with engines with high mileage (114,000). Well when completed and I got the car back white smoke was pouring out the tailpipe and it was basically un-drivable. Chevrolet was wanting to sell me a new engine for $9.000. No way being on SSDI I could afford a new engine. With it towed in I couldn't proved the engines was running perfectly when they got it. My question is now whether to have the headers redone or if I can just become deeper in the problem? If I attempted a header replacement what is the ball park figure for that type of replacement? If I have a chance I'd like to get my C4 running again but of course I have limited funds and save as I can.
Thanks - Ritchie
Thanks - Ritchie
Popular Reply
Aug 8, 2021, 12:56 PM
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
sounds like a blown head gasket
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 54,105
Likes: 9,418
From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
Drifting
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From: Clay New York
So you would just change the gasket(s) if only one is blown, bolt on the old head(s) with 114000 miles and call it a day? Yes, you could and you might get lucky.....for awhile....
Last edited by ls777z; Aug 8, 2021 at 06:16 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 54,105
Likes: 9,418
From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
Drifting
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Likes: 397
From: Clay New York
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: South-central Missouri
The same conditions that eventually resulted in needing a new radiator probably weakened the head gaskets as well.
It is normal procedure to pressurize the system after making repairs to verify the repair work. But, if the gaskets (in this case) were already on the brink, they became the next thing that would have gone bad.
Failing a simple cooling system pressure test may have simply identified the next issue you would likely have, only this time you weren't stranded on the road somewhere!
Pulling the heads to replace head gaskets, etc., is well within the ability of most DIY'ers - or should be for anyone owning an older car!. You only need simple tools and a torque wrench you can borrow (e.g., from AutoZone) for free when you buy the gaskets! (They also can lend you or give you the option to purchase a coolant pressure test kit too!)
As for buying new heads or servicing the valve guides, etc., that may be unnecessary just to get back on the road. But, it falls into the realm of "while your in there": So, I can't fault anyone for going beyond gaskets to consider at least new seals if not also going for the upgraded heads. However, the $9000 reach to a new crate motor is pretty extreme, far as repair goes. But, again if it were for an LSx motor swap...? You could be dabbling in a 150+ HP increase too.
Ah... Decisions, decisions....
It is normal procedure to pressurize the system after making repairs to verify the repair work. But, if the gaskets (in this case) were already on the brink, they became the next thing that would have gone bad.
Failing a simple cooling system pressure test may have simply identified the next issue you would likely have, only this time you weren't stranded on the road somewhere!
Pulling the heads to replace head gaskets, etc., is well within the ability of most DIY'ers - or should be for anyone owning an older car!. You only need simple tools and a torque wrench you can borrow (e.g., from AutoZone) for free when you buy the gaskets! (They also can lend you or give you the option to purchase a coolant pressure test kit too!)
As for buying new heads or servicing the valve guides, etc., that may be unnecessary just to get back on the road. But, it falls into the realm of "while your in there": So, I can't fault anyone for going beyond gaskets to consider at least new seals if not also going for the upgraded heads. However, the $9000 reach to a new crate motor is pretty extreme, far as repair goes. But, again if it were for an LSx motor swap...? You could be dabbling in a 150+ HP increase too.
Ah... Decisions, decisions....
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Advanced
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 68
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From: Oscoda, Michigan
Sounds like a plan
Putting heads on with valve seal sounds like a plan. My 87 may be leaky around the valve seals and I would like it increase compression. I will probably change the cam too in an attempt to get over 300hp. Thanks
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 68
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From: Oscoda, Michigan
Changing heads
To clarify, I would change heads to a higher compression configuration and it would clear up my leaky valve seals too. A new more aggressive cam to take advantage of the higher compression, but that is a lot more work.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
From: Zionsville IN
I'm based on SSDI disability so I have limited funds - it will take me a while to save up the money. It appears that I need to replace a blown head gasket and a couple valve seals. Could someone be nice enough to give me a ballpark figure for what these should charge me? I have no idea? I want to make sure I can pay for the service and have enough cash.
Thanks a lot.
Ritchie
Thanks a lot.
Ritchie
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
machinist to ck the heads, seals? Surface, clean ck for cracks, ck valve job condition few hun+_
Labor have no clue. Post in your regional sec and here, maybe a member can do it for you and save you some. happens a lot here
Labor have no clue. Post in your regional sec and here, maybe a member can do it for you and save you some. happens a lot here
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,775
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From: Texas
I'm based on SSDI disability so I have limited funds - it will take me a while to save up the money. It appears that I need to replace a blown head gasket and a couple valve seals. Could someone be nice enough to give me a ballpark figure for what these should charge me? I have no idea? I want to make sure I can pay for the service and have enough cash.
Thanks a lot.
Ritchie
Thanks a lot.
Ritchie
IF I were in your shoes, as long as the heads were coming off the car, I'd have the heads checked for flatness, replace all the valve seals, and at least think about a fresh set of valve springs. Particularly if you're thinking about adding a cam in the future.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
From: Zionsville IN
I live in Terre Haute - Indiana - Any members that could help - or give me a good place to take my Vette(95). while working I've always taken it to Chevy figuring they would take care of the vette. But I've lost faith when they wanted to charge me $9,000 to put in a new engine. Ran fine before getting my last support. And I mean it ran perfect!