1998 Oldsmobile Aurora: I needed to replace my.

Tiny
ANONYMOUS
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 OLDSMOBILE AURORA
  • 190,000 MILES
1998 Oldsmobile Aurora: I needed to replace my water pump pulley, belt, and tension pulley (for the water pump not the serpentine belt). I went to O'rielly's auto parts store in springfield mo and started removing the old parts. Before I got to the main pulley attached to the camshaft the manager, Will (who is also the one who told me it would be an easy do-it-yourself fix) came out to help. When we got to the point of removing the pulley attached to the camshaft it appeared to be stuck. He gave me the impression of having a full understanding of the problem and proceeded to help try to remove the pulley with force, using a crowbar and hammer. (I have since researched and discovered there is a pulley removing tool available at any autoparts store available to borrow; apparently Will the manager at O'Rielly's was not aware of such a tool to my dismay). Upon trying to force the pulley off with crowbar and hammer we proceeded to brake about an inch off the camshaft.

Note: I also appear to have a head gasket problem because there is water in the oil.

My question: Would it be worth fixing the camshaft (and approximately how much would it cost) considering that a head gasket is blown.

Also, repairing the head gasket is not economical considering it would cost more than the value of the vehicle. I was considering using the new Blue Devil Head Gasket Sealant that says works in NorthStar motors. It was recommended to me by the same idiot who helped me brake the camshaft as a cost effective method to keep the car running. I did some research and found it to have mostly good reviews but only for a last resort. Do you recommend Blue Devil as a last resort to keep a car running a little longer that is not economical to fix? Or am I best just to say the car is a lost cause. Thanks to will at O'Rielly Auto Parts in Springfield.

Thank you for any knowledge/help you can provide,
Sincerely,
Heartbroken in Springfield MO (I inherited this car when my Dad passed away)
Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013 AT 1:26 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Those sealers never work and do nothing but clog up the cooling system with gunk. I suggest repair it correctly or get rid of it.

By the way, parts people sell parts they do not fix cars. Thats why you need a real shop with a real tech. They wont break anything.

Roy
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Wednesday, April 3rd, 2013 AT 1:32 AM

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