Head gasket woes?

[fcompton]

My sons 96 Century 3.1 looks like it may have a blown head gasket. That’s what 2 mechanics have advised as it did overheat and although it shown no performance issues, I do see some bubbling in the overflow tank and the temperature gauge goes up and down while driving. I’m having a hard time believing it’s a head gasket as there is no water in the oil and nothing coming out of the exhaust. Any way, I hear that an application of “waterglass” or K&B block seal will prolong its life. Anyone use these products with any success?

[tman]

Check the coolant level, and make sure that there are no leaks in the coolant system. Just how high does the temperature guage get to?

[Lesabrelover]

My wife's '95 Century had the same problem and it turned out to be the intake manifold gasket. My mechanic told me that this a fairly common problem on the 3100 engine. He said that the gasket will fail one of two ways. If it fails to the outside side of the intake, you will see only a small trace of coolant at the rear (drivers side) of the engine. The coolant loss is minimal (mainly just enough to let the cooling system lose a little pressure, which is why your temp guage moves up and down as you drive). If it fails to the inside, coolant will get into your oil causing it to look "milky" on the dipstick (which you say isn't happening). I havent had any more problems with mine since replacing the gasket. Hope this helps....

[warheros]

hi,

i think i have the same problem as you guys with my mom's century, it's a '99, and im wondering how to change it. if someone could tell me, i would really appreciate it.

ive replaced one on a older four-cylinder in a fiero, and im wondering if it's remotely similar...thanks in advance!

~warheros

[firebird79455]

Waterglass has it's place as a last resort-I've saved cracked blocks with it-but that's all I'd try it for.Had you done any work on the cooling sys before this started?If so it may just be airlocked.There may be bleeder screws around the water pump or thermostat housing.Bleed them with engine off.Not saying it isn't a head gasket but I'd have a shop run a chemical test for exh in coolant before I pulled the heads.Also make sure cooling fan(s)are working.

[RABarrett]

Bleeding the cooling system is the way to go to begin. Open the bleeder until you get only liquid, no bubbles or air. Unless there is exhaust in the coolant, or constant bubbling, with pressure build-up, the head gasket is not the issue. Ray