My wifes car has coolant in the 3.8 motor.
How do I trobleshoot if I need head gaskets or a manifold?


When it was running it was blowing out white smoke. I pulled the plugs and they where wet.

Oil dip stick was brown like a milkshake.

Plugs are wet, change the head gaskets. There clearly gone. In the process you'll be changing the manifold gaskets anyways. Don't run the motor with the coolant in the oil, it will damage the motor.

Thanks that is the direction I'm going this weekend.
Is there anything online with pictures or step by step directions?

The haynes manuals that you find at autozone and advanced auto or any other parts place, are the best there is.. Its not a difficult job, just might seem scary, the worse is dealing with the headers. which really when everything else is out of the way its not a bad job.. take your time you will be fine.. I would suggest getting the heads milled. smoother surface after a head gasket issue is best, plus you'll bump up the compress the slightest amount. HP!!

Thanks!! Merry Christmas

Your Very Welcome.. Merry Xmas!!

NOT NECESSARILY!

The intake manifold in these cars are notorious for melting out where the egr tube goes into the upper intake by the throttle body.

IT IS VERY COMMON! pull the throttle body off and look into the upper intake. I bet its soaked with coolant.

if you dont believe me, do an internet search for GM intake manifold leak.. its a problem on the 3.4l and the 3.8 l motors

How did you make out this weekend?

I bought the gasket set and a Haynes and then was called into work and haven't touched it.
I will pull the throttle body of and take a look tonight.
I really appreciate this guys!!!

let us know what you find!