1996 Pontiac Firebird Blown Head Gasket

ELLIOTTSA

MEMBER
1996 PONTIAC FIREBIRD
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
76,000 MILES

Yes I have a 1996 pontiac firebird. The engine was running great and then one day it started shaking. I took it to the mechanic and they said it was a misfire in the 6 cylindar of the engine. I had that fixed and then a couple days later the engine started smoking when I was parked. I opened the hood and the radiator cap had a crack in it. I took it off and replaced it but there is a brown sludge on the dipstick for the coolant. Is this a blown headgasket or not. Thats what a friend said it might be.

3 Replies

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,938 POSTS

Hi there,

if you are using coolant and the oil is turning a coffee colour, you will have a head problem, you can get a test to check for exhaust in the coolant, this is a shore sign of a head gasket problem.

Mark (mhpautos)

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Tuesday, November 18th, 2008 AT 11:56 PM

ELLIOTTSA

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you very much my friend. Now one more question. What do I need to buy to fix the head problem. There are alot of gaskets I could buy. Is there one you suggest that you have had good results with?

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Thursday, February 5th, 2009 AT 9:20 PM

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,938 POSTS

Hi there,

Well this is a bit tough to answer, as I am in Australia and I don't know what you have available after market, may be ask your parts supplier what they recommend, remember dot forget to get the head checked and make sure the block is spotless of old gasket.

Mark (mhpautos)

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Friday, February 6th, 2009 AT 12:21 AM