Coolant level low

ROBERTH

MEMBER
CADILLAC DEVILLE

My 1998 Cadillac Sedan Deville 195,000 4.6 Northstar engine is in the shop for the 4th time with this-It's going through coolant, I have to add it every other week or two. Now they say that the bolts on the head gaskets are loose because the theads have worn away and it is going through the exhaust system and that the only way to fix it is a new engine! It seems extreme for a coolant leak? I need another idea- I just don't believe my dealership.
Thanks for your help!
RCH

6 Replies

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

Has any real work been done? Ie: water pump, radiator. Etc?
The water pump in your Northstar is at the rear of the engine, driven by the camshaft, rear being the drivers side

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Sunday, August 18th, 2019 AT 10:05 AM

ROBERTH

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Yes, the water pump is not that old, the manifold was replaced first then they said it was the gasket at the thermostat that was leaking which should have been caught when they put the new manifold on but wasn't. They say that the threads to the bolts of the head gasket are stripped and that is where the coolant is leaking into the exhaust system. They say those bolts cannot be tightened or replaced the entire engine would have to be replaced. Is this true?

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Sunday, August 18th, 2019 AT 10:05 AM

ROBERTH

MEMBER
4 POSTS

They have also done pressure tests that say everything is working correctly.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Sunday, August 18th, 2019 AT 10:05 AM

CHEVY22

MECHANIC
1,375 POSTS

I see this almost every day, you do not have to replace the negine for the stripped (block threads ) it does need to come out and have time certs put in, that is where a jig is set on the deck of the block and all old head bolt block threads are drilled and replaced with time certs, no big deal on that part, but the negine needs to come down and heads removed and tell you the truth if you go that far have the case halfs selaed, lower oil pan gasket replaced and the rear main seal while its apart

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Sunday, August 18th, 2019 AT 10:05 AM

ROBERTH

MEMBER
4 POSTS

I think I understand what you are saying-but I am not familiar with "time certs" the engine has almost 140,000 miles on it-would I be better off to replace the engine with a new factory engine or try to go this route? Thank you for all your help.