96 Contour Overheating

[jafatuf]

I-4 - 16V. Normally runs in the "A" range on "NORMAL". The past two days it has entered the red when getting off the interstate. Mechanic told me the block was cracked or the head gasket was blown. I doubt the block is cracked, but from what I have been reading on this forum, blown head gaskets happen. The car has 150k miles on it and I do not what to put a bunch of money into it, especially, b/c in 2 months i'll be going overseas for a few months and plan on geting a new car when I return. I flushed the coolant today, which was brown, and put a new thermostat in it. But, it is still leaving the NORMAL range. (The oil looks normal in color.) Any ideas for a "cheap" fix? I know there are products out there that claim to seal blown gaskets. Anyone have and experience with them?? I Just need two more months of getting me to work out of this car.
Thanks.

[beyondloadedSE]

oil in the coolant = blown headgasket.

I dont have any experience with products that supposedly fix blown headgaskets. I suppose you could give it a try. Its definetely a lot cheaper than replacing a headgasket.

[~manuel~]

Originally Posted by jafatuf

I-4 - 16V. Normally runs in the "A" range on "NORMAL". The past two days it has entered the red when getting off the interstate. Mechanic told me the block was cracked or the head gasket was blown. I doubt the block is cracked, but from what I have been reading on this forum, blown head gaskets happen. The car has 150k miles on it and I do not what to put a bunch of money into it, especially, b/c in 2 months i'll be going overseas for a few months and plan on geting a new car when I return. I flushed the coolant today, which was brown, and put a new thermostat in it. But, it is still leaving the NORMAL range. (The oil looks normal in color.) Any ideas for a "cheap" fix? I know there are products out there that claim to seal blown gaskets. Anyone have and experience with them?? I Just need two more months of getting me to work out of this car.
Thanks.

i have seen more than a few instances of temporary fixes to headgaskets with some sealant.purchased from napa, cant remember the name of it right now though.but im sure they will know if you tell them your situation.definitely worth a try, but of course its not guaranteed to work.