I just bought a 97 Pontiac Grand Prix SE. I noticed that it's been gettin a little warmer then usual so I checked the radiator and reservoir and noticed the radiator was a bit low and reservoir empty... I topped em off with 50/50 and went along my way. A couple days later my heater wasn't heating up so I immediately looked at my temp gauge and noticed the engine was fairly hot. I pulled into a lot and put fluid into the radiator which pretty well used up the rest of the fluid I had left. So that was yesterday, today I checked my reservoir and radiator and noticed the reservoir was bone dry and the radiator low again... WTF I thought so I checked under my car where it was parked and there was no fluid on the ground. So after some cussing I just started checking my other fluids and when I got to the oil I noticed it looked a bit odd - it looks like radiator fluid got into the oil... What caused this and can I repair it myself? Also, should I stop driving to avoid major damage?
2007-02-20 11:37:22 · 5 answers · asked by Hi_ram_y 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ GMC
the most likely cause of this problem would be the lower intake manifold gaskets.when these gaskets fail antifreeze flowing through the intake leak either externaly or internaly.yours are probably leaking into the engine.when this happens your oil starts to look like a milkshake.this is a VERY COMMON PROBLEM on these cars . i would suggest getting it to a good mechanic asap.this is a pretty big job to attempt yourself. also to answer your final question DO NOT DRIVE IT engine bearing failure could result. approx cost of repairs 600 -700 dollars parts & labor.i hope this helped.
2007-02-20 12:57:44 · answer #1 · answered by hennster7 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would bet head gasket also. The gasket seperating the oil and antifreeze that flow through your engine is less than a quarter of an inch on some automobiles, therefore it does not take much for this gasket to corrode or tear. Antifreeze in oil is not a good combination for your interior engine components. This is a very serious problem that can be a car junker if not fixed asap. Engine over heating or locking up is inevitable. Tough job removing the head, and unfortunatly a garage is gonna want big money to take the engine apart. I dont want to recommend this, but they do sell additives that quote unquote can fix such problems. The manufacturer is Barrs Leaks. Though this is likely not going to help the situation. Good luck with the repairs.
2007-02-20 13:15:51 · answer #2 · answered by mike d. 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Very Common on these cars.
The cause will depend on which engine you have?
3400 - would be lower intake gasket
3800 - would be upper pleneum has deteriorated near TB
Both requires disassembly of the upper engine area, the 3800 is easier but I would still recommend going to a trustworthy shop.
If coolant is in oil, it will atack the coating on bearing and you will have further engine damage by running it.
2007-02-21 03:54:49 · answer #3 · answered by planethax 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it's a busted head gasket period. you can do 1 of 2 things get it fixed (which might not be worth it depending on how many mile are on it) get a new engine
2007-02-20 13:03:06 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You have a bad headgasket.
2007-02-21 14:54:58 · answer #5 · answered by Bill S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋