1999 Pontiac Grand Prix head gasket

CALIGAL

MEMBER
1999 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX

Engine Performance problem
1999 Pontiac Grand Prix 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 219k miles

I was told I have a head gasket problem. (Car overheats no apparent reason all obvious signs are fine & car runs well except a little sluggish between 60-70 mph). Is there any way to find out if it is just a gasket or will I need to replace my engine? Everyone I talk to seems to tell me I can't just replace the gasket, if it's the heads then I can't just replace the "top end". I'm very confused, and not in the position to afford a monthly car payment. Please help me understand the whole head gasket scenarios. Thank you!

3 Replies

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

Has the radiator been flow tested?
Thermostat replaced?
Cooling fan operating?
Is there oil in the coolant?
Do you see white smoke from tailpipe?
These are things to check before replacing head gaskets.
Let me know

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Tuesday, June 17th, 2008 AT 3:28 PM

CALIGAL

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Don't know about the radiator flow, I think so.
Thermostat - yes
cooling fan - a/c works so I say yes
oil doesn't appear to be in the coolant
no white smoke, but was told by the radiator man there is evidence of liquid in the tail pipe.
Also, it smells hot even when it doesn't register hot (temperature gauge inside car doesn't seem to react right away, slowly gets going then will shoot up to hot. 210/220)

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Wednesday, June 18th, 2008 AT 8:32 AM

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

A test is in order then to find out if the head gasket has failed just enough to super heat the coolant.
You can have the coolant tested for the presence of CO2 or HC in the liquid. Positive on this would indicate head gasket problem.
Or you can pull all the spark plugs pressurize the coolant system for a few hours observe gauge to see if it drops. Then crank engine and see if coolant comes out the plug holes.
Good luck
Let me know

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Wednesday, June 18th, 2008 AT 9:28 AM