what should i do about a blown head gasket?

[aydensmommy0712]

ok i thought about getting my friends 94 corsica but it has a blown head gasket and i guess she said its overheated a couple of times on her already...my bf said i should go ahead and replace the whole engine im just wondering what u guys on here think? should i pull the engine out or no? and just replace the head gasket

[aydensmommy0712]

any suggestions will help me since i kno nothing about cars

[loosenut74]

Originally Posted by aydensmommy0712

any suggestions will help me since i kno nothing about cars

remill the head, new head bolts and you should be fine...

[jsgold]

I would be wary of a car if they continued to drive it with a blown head gasket. If they parked it right away you should remove the head, take it to a machine shop for checking (for cracks) get it milled as suggested, and a valve job. This is normally what they all do as standard head servicing. Should run about 100 bucks plus or minus unless you have a cracked head. Most shops can repair cracks(which are COMMON on GM's) but you could wind up replacing with a rebuilt head for 200-300 bucks. Then replace gaskets, head bolts. You did not mention if this is a 4 cylinder or a 6. If it a 6 cylinder you might consider both heads getting checked.... I have been through this twice and both times the head was cracked, so a good machine shop is a MUST.

[loosenut74]

Originally Posted by jsgold

I would be wary of a car if they continued to drive it with a blown head gasket. If they parked it right away you should remove the head, take it to a machine shop for checking (for cracks) get it milled as suggested, and a valve job. This is normally what they all do as standard head servicing. Should run about 100 bucks plus or minus unless you have a cracked head. Most shops can repair cracks(which are COMMON on GM's) but you could wind up replacing with a rebuilt head for 200-300 bucks. Then replace gaskets, head bolts. You did not mention if this is a 4 cylinder or a 6. If it a 6 cylinder you might consider both heads getting checked.... I have been through this twice and both times the head was cracked, so a good machine shop is a MUST.

It"s a four cyl, this person lives in huber heights, not far from me?.... but the info you provided was valid, especally this part "I would be wary of a car if they continued to drive it with a blown head gasket. " and this part "Then replace gasket(s), and head bolts."

[rhandwor]

You always take a chance on this type of vehicle. If you do your own work and have a good machine shop you should be ok. Another problem is if a lot of anti freeze got into the motor the bearings can be shot. I would recommend a rebuilt long block but it would be cheaper to buy another good used car if you pay for repairs.
If you can afford it buy another good used car.