Blow Head Gasket or bad Intake Valve?

[1999montana]

Originally Posted by chris_eitniear

...My question is, how long can I expect to be able to run it before it goes blooey? ....

Chris,

I think others will agree that if you even think that you have a coolant leak into the crankcase, at this stage, you are far better off to stop now and get it fixed. Engines need oil to lubricate, not antifreeze and to continue running the engine is to court disaster.

If it does go 'blooey' you can expect to replace the entire engine, not just some gaskets and antifreeze (simplified of course). Might be time for other related and unrelated maintenance anyway at 92K. May also depend on how long you want to keep the van, of course.

My suggestion; find a good non-dealer shop, (maybe someone who knows where you are can recommend one) or if you are handy with mechanical stuff, begin the repair yourself using much of the info on this forum.

.

[chris_eitniear]

I hear you, guys. That was more or less the response I expected. The problem is I probably won't have time to fix it or get it fixed before I have to go on that trip.

Oh well, Avis to the rescue, I guess.

[GMCritic]

Originally Posted by chris_eitniear

My question is, how long can I expect to be able to run it before it goes blooey?

I was fortunate that mine was leaking outside the motor and onto the ground.... oil was black as Texas tea. However, I stopped driving it as soon as I saw the leak. I made an appointment to get it into the shop and drove it there after taking it to the dealership to see if GM would offer any help (but that's another story).

The less you drive it, the less damage you'll do to your motor. The fix is anywhere between $600 - $1000.00 depending on who does it. You're going to spend a lot more than that if you loose the motor.... is it worth the risk? I'd say no. Take it in ASAP and have it repaired.

My 2 cents.

Good luck.

[chris_eitniear]

I may have been a bit hasty. Thinking about it, the Monana is used frequently for short trips, plus it sits outside in this wacky Michigan weather. I've just checked the oil fill cap and PCV valve again, after making some trips that got it completely up to temp, and I see no sign of the tan sludge anywhere. What are the chances that what I saw was merely condensation?