Loud Bang, white smoke from engine: Blown gaskets?

[DeepFlorida]

I have had some serious issues with my 95 Aurora lately. Just replaced my radiator, and was scheduled to take my car in for the fuel rail recall this week. The Car has been stalling at redlights and slow to crank lately as well.

Yesterday, I filled the car with gas, then when I started the car, I hear a loud explosion / implosion then see white smoke billowing out of the engine area. I assume this is a blown head gasket.

I was wondering if someone could tell me if they have ever had to replace the head gaskets before, and what kind of process did they go about getting this accomplished / $$$$?

I am a bit frustrated with this car but I would like to try to fix these problems if possible. I just need some good advice from other fellow aurora owners.

Thanks

[Retro-D]

An explosion? Does the car still run? Could it have been your a/c compressor or an a/c hose?

RD

[not_mine]

Head gaskets DON'T explode! Like Retro asked does it run? Does the smoke smell sweet like antifreeze? That's one way to tell.

[Autobanaurora]

Loud bang? Is fluid running out the bottom? Is oil leaking? If a timing chain breaks, valves will "bang" pistons. White smoke generally means anti-freeze is leaking on hot parts. Sounds more like head gaskets. If so, order a 4.6L Northstar from Cadillac, don't forget the chip. Sounds bad, the 4.0 is disposable if you need to open up the chambers.

[The Rebel]

Get the car to a shop so they can do a pressure check. Don't let the car overheat. If you have to TOW it in most shops have that connection and you can pay later when you pic your car up when its done! So don't
get the idea that head gasket (labor) is going to be cheap. Gasket set is about $75 then antifreeze, thermostat etc. Some mom & POP shops have
ASE mechanics and will R & R (remove and replace) the head gasket
for a sweet deal of a price because they see it as $$$ they wouldn't have other wise. The dealer could care less and hit you for the 10-12 hours at dealer labor prices.

[stickboy101]

My 95 Aurora did the exact same thing a year or so back. It turned out that it was my EGR valve. I mean, we're talking shotgun "BANG!" and then smoke billowing out from under my hood. The folks at the gas station took cover! I had to tow it to the garage. The car started, but it ran so rough that I couldn't drive it. At first it wouldn't start at all. The Olds garage charged me for a new EGR valve and the labor to replace it (now I know that I could have done it myself, but that's another story). So if there were other problems besides that, I wasn't informed about it.

You might want to check something simple like the EGR first, then look into more serious possibilities, though the EGR valve is expensive.