1989 sunbird
omresp
12-15-2004, 10:34 PM
Hey the antifreezer is mixing with the oil...is the the head that is cracked? some help please!
MrPbody
12-24-2004, 01:09 PM
Which engine? Brazilian or USA? More than likely, if it has only been mildly overheated, it's the head gasket. But, if it has been massively overheated, it will crack a head. The Brazilian 1.8 and 2.0 are a bit tougher (crack-wise) than the 2.0 GM (pushrods).
Either way, pull the head and have it pressure-tested. It will require resurface if it isn't cracked. Unless there are low miles on the car, DO NOT grind the valves unless there's a specific problem with them. Often, when you freshen up the top half of an older engine, it will alter the wear pattern and the rings will go away quickly.
NOTE: We've seen an alarming number of people charged for magnefluxing aluminum heads. IT CANNOT BE DONE. Aluminum in non-ferrous, therefore, not "magnetic". Avoid the "dye check" method as well. Too many cracks get missed by that one.
Lastly, REPLACE the head bolts. Don't compromise on this on, either...
Either way, pull the head and have it pressure-tested. It will require resurface if it isn't cracked. Unless there are low miles on the car, DO NOT grind the valves unless there's a specific problem with them. Often, when you freshen up the top half of an older engine, it will alter the wear pattern and the rings will go away quickly.
NOTE: We've seen an alarming number of people charged for magnefluxing aluminum heads. IT CANNOT BE DONE. Aluminum in non-ferrous, therefore, not "magnetic". Avoid the "dye check" method as well. Too many cracks get missed by that one.
Lastly, REPLACE the head bolts. Don't compromise on this on, either...
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