2G Head gasket leaking

[mybaby]

My 01 2G 4.0 with 210k miles has a leaking head gasket. I know that this is a common problem with these engines. I need to educate myself on what's evolved with this repair and how much I should expect to pay to resolve it. I am not equipped to handle this on my own. I realize that this won't be cheap, but I really don't want to get rid of this car. If anyone can give me help in making a decision, I would greatly appreciate it.

[Paulaurora]

I payed 300$ for all my auroras 4.0 and 250 for 3.5 in my shop but most shops will charge 400-500..

[Randy T.]

Do you know for sure that your head gaskets are bad? What is it doing? Does it overheat going up hills or over 45mph? Are you losing coolant?

Expect to pay $3000-$4000 to have it properly fixed, when you remove the head bolts the threads come out of the block, every head bolt has to be drilled out and replaced with norms inserts or head studs or some people use both, but I would recommend studs only. The drivetrain has to be dropped down from the car to allow access to the rear head, it's impossible to install a head on the studs with the motor in. Drivetrain comes out in 2 hours, no big deal if you have the proper tools and a lift.

A Cadillac 4.6 will also work in your car, if you are going to fix one up, I would go that route, more power with about the same gas mileage.

If you want to go cheap, install a salvage yard motor, they are always a risk, but if you find a good yard with a warranty you will be better off. The downside is, most shops will not warranty labor on a used engine. If you can, find an Aurora/Cadillac that has been rear ended or wrecked, if it's in salvage and looks straight, stay away from the motor unless you plan to rebuild it. If you can install the engine yourself, you can save more money, it's a one man job and not too tough. I have swapped one in my gravel driveway, my last swap I had a little lift and swapped it within a weekend, I have a 4.6 in my Aurora.

My 4.6 cost me $800 from a salvage yard, I installed it myself, probably spent $200 on gaskets and fluids.

[plato442]

Sept 17, 2014 16:24:00 GMT -6 Paulaurora said:

I payed 300$ for all my auroras 4.0 and 250 for 3.5 in my shop but most shops will charge 400-500..

Did you forget to add another ZERO to those shop prices?!?! Parts alone cost that much, not including a head stud kit, labor, band aids, etc!!

I went the same route as Randy T. except tore that 4.6 down and put head studs in it, replaced the divergent plate to cure leaking oil, head work w/ replacing some exhaust valves, water pump, and a few other items. Good as new!

[Paulaurora]

oh i am sorry i read it wrong i was thinking he was talking about Valve cover gaskets .

[mybaby]

I am leaking coolant, but not a great amount. I just assumed it was the dreaded head gasket. The leaking fluid is certainly not oil, as it is much thinner. I have noticed that I get the low coolant message on my DIC yet it is not that low and when topping it off it continues to read low coolant. Am I nearing the end of the road as far as having to deal with this problem? I think I want to make the necessary repairs, but was hoping I could put it off till spring. Anyone care to guess how long I have before my luck runs out?

[Paulaurora]

If coolant not low but u getting the message that means sensor is bad u need to replace the coolant tank. or maybe bad plug.

[awehlage]

Clean the 2 pin plug that connects to the coolant surge tank first. If it's corroded that's probably your problem. Otherwise a new tank isn't hard to install and will get rid of that annoying message.

[oldsAURORAmobile]

Yeah, the float gets sticky in these. Banging on the tank will usually free it up. Not real hard, just enough to make it vibrate real good. It may not reset if the engine is already running. Turn off and try again.
If you're not leaking much and not boiling over, your head gaskets are probably okay.

[boldsmobile]

Did you check the cross over gasket?