98 GP GT 3.8l overheating with new parts

[craigw71]

After opening my radiator the last time, the coolant was way low, soooo.....

Well I picked up the Head Gaskets, Exhaust gaskets, and new Head Bolts last night and will start the tear down tonight. These are FelPro from Advance Auto, do I need to use sealant on them or not? I read somewhere on here that you use sealant on fiber based and none on metal based.

I am going to buy a Torque wrench, my info has both Ft lbs and In lbs and also 130 deg angle. Is there one that does all of that or what about a conversion chart?

I think I am going to stop designing boxes and go work in a garage. I kinda like it. One way or another I'm gonna get this thing fixed myself.

[guitarfish]

I was exactly where you are on a '97 last Feb. My son's car, he ran it hot. I replaced the LIM/UIM, it still lost coolant internally. So we traded it. All the best with the repair!

[craigw71]

Repair COMPLETE !!!! and succesful.

After 13 hrs over two days I finally got to do a test drive about midnight last night and all was fine. Checked the radiator this morning around 7 and it was FULL !!!! A great sight to see for me. No coolant loss. From the original split radiator being the initial problem, here is what I ended up replacing:

Radiator
Upper Hose
Lower Hose
Coolant Temp Sensor
Thermostat (Superstat for traffic)
UIM Gasket
LIM Gasket
Valve Cover Gaskets
Front/Rear Exhaust Gaskets
Head Gaskets
Plastic tubing on fuel system
Fuel Filter
2 oil changes, getting third on Friday
2 changes of coolant (back to green for me)
Some other small odds and ends

This cost me about $550 for all the parts and somewhere in the 14 hr range.

The dealership wanted $1100 plus parts ($300) for just the Head Job which they alot 12hrs for. I think I am right in line with their estimate, seeing is how I did this on my own and in my garage.

THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP FROM ALL THE PEOPLE WHO GAVE ME ADVICE!!!. I would have never been able to do this my self if it were not for you guys.

[guitarfish]

Wow, you kicked butt. Great job !!

[tblake]

your welcome!!! Glad to hear it all worked out. Make sure to keep an eye on that coolant level. Also may want to have it flushed again just to make sure all the death-cool is out. I think the green stuff and dex cool can react and eat away at gaskets and gasket surfaces causeing leaks.

How did you blow the head gasket to begin with? Your friend overheated it?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by tblake

I think the green stuff and dex cool can react and eat away at gaskets and gasket surfaces causeing leaks.

There is no such thing as regular green coolant/anti-freeze anymore. All the coolants available at your typical auto parts stores is extended life 5 year/150K miles, whichever comes first. Based on OAT - Organic Acid Technology just like Dex-cool and fully compatible and mixable. Plus OAT is better for aluminum engine and cooling system components.

There is nothing wrong with Dex-cool as long as you follow the recommended replacement interval. Gasket issues were poor quality, materials and design....not the Dex-cool.