1996 Grand Prix Head Gasket
Hello Everyone,
As I have said before I am not much of an "in depth" mechanic. My wife drives a 96 grand prix with the 3.1 engine. The "low coolent" light has been coming on and off for a while now. I always check the water level right away... the radiator always had water but the resivor tank was low or almost empty. 2 days ago it came on again after being off for about a week. I check all the fluids like always... this time I noticed water in the oil. I am fairly certain it is the head gasket. Does this sound correct? If it is I have a few questions.
My wife bought this car brand new and does not want to part with it for starters.
1. Can I replace the head gaskets alone and be OK ?
2. Do I have to pull the entire engine and do a complete overhaul ?
3. If I install a used motor will the 3.4 or the 3.8 fit and work with the transmission ?
4. Does the entire block and such need to be "boiled or cooked" because of the anti-freeze getting inside ?
5. Is there a simple way to make sure it is a bad head gasket and verrify that it is not a cracked head. The car has never been ran hot.
OK now the final question... I have purchased, but have not used yet... a bottle of
"Bar's Leaks Head gasket repair" I have been told it is not the normal stuff people are used to. The old stuff you put in with the anti-freeze. This stuff you are suppose to flush all the anti-freeze from the engine. They told me it would "Permanently" fix Cracked Heads,
Blown Head Gaskets, and Block Leaks. Does this sound right? Has anyone out there tried this stuff ?
I really wish it was a cracked foundation... I could fix that !
Thanks for your help.
Mike