'99 3.4 internal engine water leak

[crazy Jim]

In my last thread about "eratic idle" it was suggested that it may be caused by water leaking into a cylinder. Apparently this is the case as the IAC is clean and functioning. Idle improves to normal after less then a minute after start-up. What should I expect the dealer to charge to repair this provided it just needs new head gaskets?

[aleekat]

If you actually have a blown head gasket, compression test would be in order. You would be losing coolant.(Unless between 2 cylinders) And if it idles and runs normally after one minute, you don't have a head gasket issue.

[crazy Jim]

loses a half gallon or more a day (fifty mile drive) no apparent leaks outside the engine.

say worst case scenario it is a head gasket, what would I expecting the dealer to charge?

[rkvons]

It's amazing what's available on the web.

http://www.automd.com/

[crazy Jim]

Originally Posted by rkvons

It's amazing what's available on the web.

http://www.automd.com/

nice. I've rebuilt many engines in the past so dont really need a tutor my problem is seventy+ hours /week at work makes me not want to spend what free time I have left each day out working on the car. Thus I am attempting to weigh the cost of the dealer doing the job against my own little free time.

[danielsatur]

Originally Posted by rkvons

It's amazing what's available on the web.

http://www.automd.com/

They even include PPE in replacement procedures.

Don't forget www.youtube.com/user/scottykilmer for DIY Auto repair

[thephantom1492]

Originally Posted by danielsatur

Don't forget www.youtube.com/user/scottykilmer for DIY Auto repair

But beware, I've seen that guy do stupid things, thinks that will cause damage, came to the conclusion too fast (no diagnosis) with high chance of error and things that can and will cause damage. Use your head, don't blindly follow what he say.

[rkvons]

Originally Posted by crazy Jim

nice. I've rebuilt many engines in the past so dont really need a tutor my problem is seventy+ hours /week at work makes me not want to spend what free time I have left each day out working on the car. Thus I am attempting to weigh the cost of the dealer doing the job against my own little free time.

I understand where you're coming from. Did you get that this link I provided will allow you to see what repair places will charge?

[danielsatur]

www.alldata.com ,and shop manuals have shop hours for procedures.
The problem is all the spare parts, time, money, and the labor practicing at the customers expense.

Shops are like unions, and most procedures for DIY canbe done in 1/2 the time and
save 1/2 on parts by purchasing Online.

Do a www.nada.com + www.kbb.com ,and see what's it worth with repairs.
If all rubber hoses are good consider using Blue devil, or www.stealseal.com

[Tech II]

Shops are like unions, and most procedures for DIY can be done in 1/2 the time and save 1/2 on parts by purchasing Online.

Totally disagree on the time.......if you think you can have a DIY'er do "GM time", in half the time, you are crazy....

As for parts online, yes you avoid the shop mark up....

[danielsatur]

The right Trade secrets, tools, shortcuts, and antidote can make a big different in the price labor per hour, or time for a DIY.

Example of a nice short cut for a DIY heater core replacement, see AF www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=1082856

The trick is to weed out the most cancer ,and prolong the life of car without throwing too much $ @ it!