woody Posted December 27, 2007 Report Share Posted December 27, 2007 Well I just got the word from my local repair shop. Head gasket is going on one side. They did a pressure check and some other diagnosis. The car started to heat up on my short drive today. The real bad news is they don't have the special tools to fix it. So now I am at the mercy of the dealer. Looks like $3000. Merry Friggin Christmas. I know the dealer will re-diagnos the problem but it will be my luck I will have to have them both changed. Any words of advise please chim in. I will keep you all posted. I am going to have it towed to eliminate any further damage by driving it to the dealer. Thank for listening Woody Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted December 27, 2007 Report Share Posted December 27, 2007 You NEED both banks changed when you do this NOT just one bank or you will be doing the job again shortly. Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woody Posted December 27, 2007 Author Report Share Posted December 27, 2007 Bodyby Fisher, I was planning on doing both since they will already have it apart. I guess I will have to wait a couple of more years to get the newer Caddy I was saving for. Thanks Woody Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted December 27, 2007 Report Share Posted December 27, 2007 Bodyby Fisher, I was planning on doing both since they will already have it apart. I guess I will have to wait a couple of more years to get the newer Caddy I was saving for. Thanks Woody OH, this statement had me thinking you only wanted to do one bank "I know the dealer will re-diagnos the problem but it will be my luck I will have to have them both changed". Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woody Posted December 27, 2007 Author Report Share Posted December 27, 2007 My bad just a little upset with the out pour of $$$$ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHE Posted December 27, 2007 Report Share Posted December 27, 2007 Make sure they Timesert all 20 head bolt holes. Make sure the tech uses the Timesert drill fixture. If not, the inserts will be installed at the improper depth and will fail. Kevin '93 Fleetwood Brougham '05 Deville '04 Deville 2013 Silverado Z71 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
growe3 Posted December 27, 2007 Report Share Posted December 27, 2007 For what it's worth, while $3000 is a lot of money, this is a fairly tough job, as those of us who have done it can attest to. I have done two (both successfully). The parts will run about $800+ and it is a lot of labor to do it right. On the good side the engine will be like new, and good for a very long time. IF, you have any oil leakage from the oil pan, now is the time to replace the gasket! Make sure you have a clear warranty, in case there might be any problem with the repairs. -George Drive'em like you own 'em. - ....................04 DTS............................ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woody Posted December 28, 2007 Author Report Share Posted December 28, 2007 All, Thanks for the encouraging words and information. I do have a small oil leak and it would be best to change the gasket. I will also discuss the time certs on the bolts. The flatbed will be here soon. After the re-diagnosis I will repost. Woody Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted December 28, 2007 Report Share Posted December 28, 2007 If were you, I would have the rear engine seal replaced, case half and pan gaskets, the torque converter seal, any questionable engine mounts and HVAC housing replaced when you have the job done Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woody Posted December 28, 2007 Author Report Share Posted December 28, 2007 Bodybyfisher, I am doing the pan gasket, Why the HVAC housing? What is the case half? Woody Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigCat83 Posted December 28, 2007 Report Share Posted December 28, 2007 I Timeserted my '97 Eldorado 1 year and 13,000 miles ago. I was quoted $5,000.00 for the job by a Tampa Cadillac dealer. Did it myself. The job was a real PIA but it can be done by the DIYer. I'll sell you the Timesert Tool Kit I used - My ad is below: "I'm have my Timesert Tool Kit for sale. Junior's bought a beautifull '03 STS and I'm never Timeserting another Northstar block...so $300.00 plus shipping gets you my only used once Timesert Tool Kit AND...Wait there's Moore - My Kent Moore Flywheel Locking Tool for which I paid $134.00. It's in excellent shape only used once, mail me a money order and I'll ship the Tool Kit." Roger Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted December 28, 2007 Report Share Posted December 28, 2007 It seems to me that you want to keep this car for awhile. While they have the engine out, they can do these things. The engine is split at the centerline of the crankshaft, there is a top half and bottom half of the engine. These engines can leak at the joint of the upper half and lower half and while the engine is out, it makes sense to do this job. The HVAC housing gets brittle and cracks. While the powertrain module is out, its easy to replace, the part is about $100, buy it and bring it to the machanic with a $20 bill Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woody Posted December 28, 2007 Author Report Share Posted December 28, 2007 I guess at this point I have to keep it just to re-coup the cost. I have only put around $2000 dollars into the car since I bought it with 40,000 miles on it.It is agreat car and by all the talk it should last for 200,000 miles plus. Woody Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted December 28, 2007 Report Share Posted December 28, 2007 By the way, I believe that defective case half gaskets can cause low oil pressure at idle also, as the case half gaskets skirt the oil galley's, bad case half seals will allow the oil galleys to leak internally. Now I know that the guru said no to my theory here, but that is my theory.. There is a photo someplace showing the oil galleys, I will post it when I get home tonight. Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonA Posted December 28, 2007 Report Share Posted December 28, 2007 By the way, Mike, after your lifestyle change, you've really let your looks to go, man. Jason(2001 STS, White Diamond) "When you turn your car on...does it return the favor?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted December 28, 2007 Report Share Posted December 28, 2007 By the way, Mike, after your lifestyle change, you've really let your looks to go, man. The women love it... Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted December 29, 2007 Report Share Posted December 29, 2007 By the way, Mike, after your lifestyle change, you've really let your looks to go, man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted December 29, 2007 Report Share Posted December 29, 2007 By the way, I believe that defective case half gaskets can cause low oil pressure at idle also, as the case half gaskets skirt the oil galley's, bad case half seals will allow the oil galleys to leak internally. Now I know that the guru said no to my theory here, but that is my theory.. There is a photo someplace showing the oil galleys, I will post it when I get home tonight. You can see how if the case half seal were bad, it would allow oil to be pushed out of the oil galley under pressure. I have low oil pressure if I use 10w30, and attribute it to bad case half seals. Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woody Posted December 29, 2007 Author Report Share Posted December 29, 2007 Mike, Thanks for the pic. I did not here from the stealership yet so it looks like Monday. I did have them add the few items mentioned so I am sure it will be a not so friendly quote. It is all bad timing but at least the car will last for quite some time after. Anyone have any suggestions as to what I should look for on the warranty? Woody Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHE Posted December 30, 2007 Report Share Posted December 30, 2007 Ask the stealership how long the warranty is on the Timesert repair. If they won't warranty the repair or give you some BS that the repair doesn't always work or the Northstar engine is a POS, find another dealer as the aforementioned BS indicates they take shortcuts in the repair process. NO shortcuts, can be taken during the Timesert process. Kevin '93 Fleetwood Brougham '05 Deville '04 Deville 2013 Silverado Z71 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigCat83 Posted December 30, 2007 Report Share Posted December 30, 2007 I second NO SHORTCUTS on a Timesert repair. I followed the factory instructions implicitly and so far 13,000 trouble free miles on my repair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woody Posted December 30, 2007 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2007 Hi Forum, The craziest thing happened last night. Hooking up my new HD DVD and had no sound, had to go out for an optic cable. Dashed up to ABC warehouse of which I know the manager and the top sales guy. I mention the car problem and the sales guy has a personal friend Mark that works at GM and writes all the engine manuals and is a mechanic for 25 years. He give me his number so I call him and he wants to do the job. He stated he has done 6 head gasket with time cert and has all the proper tools. He is working up a price and is very aware of stealership rates. I need some feedback on the option of taking it to this Mark for the repair insteadof the dealer. Woody Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHE Posted December 30, 2007 Report Share Posted December 30, 2007 Does the mechanic actually work for GM or does he just repair engines as a sideline? Ask the prospective mechanic the same questions as I posted earlier. If possible, ask him for a couple of references - customers who had their engines Timeserted by him and talk to those people. That should give you an idea on the quality of the work which is better than not knowing. Kevin '93 Fleetwood Brougham '05 Deville '04 Deville 2013 Silverado Z71 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted December 30, 2007 Report Share Posted December 30, 2007 Mark that works at GM and writes all the engine manuals and is a mechanic for 25 years. He stated he has done 6 head gasket with time cert and has all the proper tools. Pretty good resume. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woody Posted December 30, 2007 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2007 I have to belive he knows what he is doing and enjoys the mechanical challange and satisfaction of repairing engines he is so intimate with. Woody Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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