Engine overheating failure

Tiny
NIQUEE.DOMI
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 PONTIAC AZTEK
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
I bought this car with the understanding that it had an overheating issue. I packed several gallons of water and drove carefully, watching the thermostat. I planned to stop and let the engine cool/add water as soon as it got to the hallway mark of temperature gauge, to be safe. I noticed that the needle was almost there and decided it was time to pull over, but I didn't have time before the engine shut off. Upon closer look I discovered that there was no coolant in the vehicle at all, and very low on oil as well. A friend, trying to help, immediately poured water into the radiator, and I could hear the water start boiling immediately on contact!
What are the chances that the engine is not ruined? It turns over still. I checked compression and I'm certain the head gasket is gone, but don't want to waste the money I spent on the replacement by using it on a bad engine. Are there any tests I can perform to check it? Would replacing the upper half of the engine be more likely to be adequate in this case?
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Saturday, March 26th, 2022 AT 9:32 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,014 POSTS
Hi,

Was there any knocking or ticking from the engine prior to shutting off? If you crank it now, does it sound normal? Did any of the water make its way into the engine oil?

What were the engine compression readings you got when it was checked? Also, can you record it cranking with the spark plugs installed and upload it for me to hear?

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, March 26th, 2022 AT 5:45 PM

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