Saw an ad for a used car I have been looking for, mileage is approaching 100k. This ad said that the Head Gasket was replaced/fixed. Would it be safe to buy, or is a head gasket problem just the start of something else?
2007-04-26 09:54:53 · 7 answers · asked by yblehs 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I agree with Michael, it could go either way. Very easy to cover up other problems. Unless it was just a killer deal, I'd pass...
2007-04-26 10:03:10 · answer #1 · answered by Dallas_Gay 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would depend on why the head gasket was replaced. The failure mode on a lot of head gaskets is either an internal coolant leak resulting in coolant consumption, or an external leak which could have resulted in overheating the engine. Assuming the repair was done right, it could be safe to buy.
Look for missing nuts and bolts, or misrouted wiring harnesses to see if it was done right. I've replaced dozens of head gaskets that have not lead to any other problems. If the engine was consuming the coolant, there is a chance that the coolant got mixed in with the oil and made it to the bearing, which is not good. In the long term, it can lead to bearing failure. But the coolant being mixed in the oil typically happens more often when an intake gasket fails and pumps the coolant into the oil.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy a vehicle that has had a head gasket replaced properly. Unless of course it is a cadillac.
2007-04-26 10:13:57 · answer #2 · answered by bbking48507 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on the car. See how much you can get the car for the compare it against another car that doesn't have a head gasket problem. They are pretty pricey to fix but I think most of that cost is in labor. Also when there is head gasket problems there is usually other problems that come along with it.
2016-04-01 08:48:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably not a problem unless it happens to be one of the 4100 digital Cadilacs from the early to mid 80's. Check to see if you will have to replace the heater core in the dash because these are the first things that a blown head gasket damages!
2007-04-26 10:02:51 · answer #4 · answered by Gary Gearfreak 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The head gasket blew for a reason. Usually because the engine overheated. You'd have a better than even chance of getting a damaged engine.
2007-04-26 10:52:08 · answer #5 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may buy that car at the junk yard price(call the junk yard offer it for sale ,ask the pirce and figure it out the price You gonna offer)
otherwise, forget that car.( or You will expened money on a headage)
2007-04-26 10:05:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could go either way...if the oil got emulsified before they found it, then there could be galled bearings...not easy to tell...
2007-04-26 09:59:50 · answer #7 · answered by Michael B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋