Radiator/Water Pump

[pryornfld]

Hey 12Ounce,

What drivibility issues would I have if it is indeed a head gasket?

Thanks
Pryornfld

[12Ounce]

You may initially get some "skipping", especially at start-up. As it gets worse ... a noticeable loss of power at any time.

If the fluids get mixed, ....a crank case failure of some sort will follow.

[wiswind]

I have a '96 3.8L.
My "timing cover gasket" leaks.
This is a common issue.
I was told by the dealer that it is just a seepage....and not to worry about it....They said that it is a $1700 repair job. Reason.....step #1 is to remove engine from car.
The gasket is less than $20.....the cost is in the labor.

The Autozone website instructions....

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...3d801d314d.jsp

If the link does not work...it is under vehicle repair information, engine, Front cover and seal.

They give instructions on the repair without removing the engine. I have read a few posts on this forum where people have done the repair with the engine in the car.....but it is still a big job.

You DO have to lift the passenger side of the engine up in order to get the clearance for the water pump pulley.

You also have to drop the oil pan.....which on my car would require you do drop the "Y" pipe.....which is the 2 catalytic converters and the pipes to the exhaust manifold. The front catalytic converter is right at the oil pan.

Anyhow.....read through the instructions....and you will see what is involved.

As mine was just a "seepage", I put stop leak in the coolant.

Also, from what I have read, the head gasket failure is caused by very close spacing of the coolant passages to the oil passages, and cylinder wall at Cylinders #1 and #4.
The failure is caused by the coolant weaping into the head gasket at these narrow points....and weakening it.....ultimately causing it to fail.
I am at 147K miles on my original gaskets......
I add the stop leak as a preventative measure for the head gasket....as well as to take care of the seapage at the front cover.....which is also called timing cover.
Many new cars get stop leak added to the coolant at the factory to address potential leaks. And when the dealer does a coolant flush.....they add the pellets to the new coolant.

So, if your leaks at the timing cover are more of a seapage.....I would recommend that you get the Bars "Stop Leak" tablets and add them to the coolant. Right now, I have the "Liquid Aluminium" in my coolant.

Many would disagree with adding stop leak.....but that is what I decided to do for my situation after much reading.

The Bar's product is what seems to be highly recommended from other people.

I would steer away from the "head gasket repair" stuff......as.....once the head gasket fails, the best approach would seem to be to replace it. Also, with those products, you have to totally flush out all the antifreeze.....and then follow the instructions from there.

It is not sounding like your head gaskets have failed, from what you have said. If the overnight pressure test did not put coolant into the cylinder(s) or into the oil, they are most likely OK.