95 lumina head gasket

[frumpy]

Hi guys I have a 95 lumina and beleive it needs a head gasket Here is what's happening,I get an erratic ''low coolant'' light and as I watch the temp guage it goes from getting fairly hot(w/o overheating) for a minute or two then the temp will drop right back to normal.When I do add coolant it's good for a day or two then it's low again,but I can't find any leaks anywhere I have added coolant a few times now,I don't see any in with the oil but get steam?? or water vapor comming from the exhaust.Any opinions on this?And how about an estimated cost to have this done?

OOOPS my bad I just read this thread and this sounds exactly like my problem......
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=758887

[maxwedge]

Welcome to AF, this may or may not be a head gasket, intake gasket could be suspect, but there are tests that can determine if exhaust gases are in the cooling system, it is a kit that tests for this thru the radiator, Napa nad Carquest have them as most good parts houses. Cost varies by state/shop. Hd. gasket job is about 10-12 hours.

[frumpy]

Thx max,when you say the intake could also be suspect,I hear a loud hissing sound comming from atop the engine,as far as I can tell it's sounds to be comming from the top, right up near the firewall.If it's a bad intake gasket would that also explain where all the anti-freeze is going? I filled the coolant and drove this morning and now no longer see the steam? comming from the exhaust either This is making me nutz

[maxwedge]

As I said yes you could just do the gaskets, probably fix it, I'd do a pressure test first and see if you can see anything, pull the plugs look for a very white plug or some unusual discoloration compared to the others. You should try and get a definitive diagnosis before just jumping into a big job.