Overheated, now it won't start

[Bubba8969]

This may be a stupid question, but I only know enough about cars to get myself into trouble.

93 Taurus, 3.8l overheated last night while on the interstate. Engine shut down, pulled over. Let it cool, added water tried to get it home. After about 10 miles same thing. Called the tow truck.

This morning it started ok. Put some water in it and I drove it about 100 yards to where I worked on it. Replaced the torn hose. Filled about 1/2 way with coolant. Drove about a 100 yards, turned it off. Ran into store to buy more coolant came out and topped it off.

Now engine won't start at all. Cranks but won't catch.

Anybody have any ideas?

[99 Neon R/T]

Hate to be the bearer of bad news but you either blew a head gasket or warped a head.One way to check is to look for water in the oil.Just pull out the dip stick and see if the oil is milky looking.If it is and you arent mechanically inclined then haul it to a shop and hope that you didnt scar the cylinder walls or fry the rings.That gets costly.Or you could buy a haynes book and the parts and try to fix it yourself.

[Bubba8969]

Originally Posted by 99 Neon R/T

Hate to be the bearer of bad news but you either blew a head gasket or warped a head.One way to check is to look for water in the oil.Just pull out the dip stick and see if the oil is milky looking.If it is and you arent mechanically inclined then haul it to a shop and hope that you didnt scar the cylinder walls or fry the rings.That gets costly.Or you could buy a haynes book and the parts and try to fix it yourself.

Thanks for your response.

I figured something along those lines. The local Firestone garage says there is moisture in the cylinder. But, I see no milky oil and no oil slick in coolant. It just won't catch when starting. And don't cars with blown head gaskets start but just run really crappy?

I am living here temporarily and this is a POS car that was bought for basic transportation. All I need is about 6 weeks out of it and then will take it to the junkyard. What I want to do is throw some Thermalweld or some other "magic in a bottle" in it to hold me over but I can't even get it to start to do that.

So...

in your experience, if I drained the coolant would it start again so I could do the additive thing?

or am I wasting my time to even try and I should just tow it in and give it a proper burial?

Thanks again for your response and any suggestions you might have.

[99 Neon R/T]

Try a compression test on the cylinders.I had a 93 Cougar that did the same thing your Tarus did.No oil in the water or vice a verca.There was water in the cylinder and it wouldnt even try to start when I cranked it.As far as how to fix it there is no such thing as a mechanic in a bottle or a miracle cure.I just had to roll up my sleeves and get my hands dirty.If you think you can fix it yourself then go for it and sell it and make a few bucke if not then it is after all just a 93 Tarus.Me personally I have never had to take a car to the scrap yard but thats just me.Good luck either way you go.

[Bubba8969]

Thanks. I appreciate your help.