lex97SLS Posted August 4, 2010 Report Share Posted August 4, 2010 I have a 97 SLS with an overheating problem reported by the previous owner. Ran a block check and confirmed leaking head (Yellow fluid). Also performed pressure test and have small leak from side of RAD at 15lbs. Pulled all plugs and #1,3 and 7 are fowled and wet. No oil in water or water in oil, so I assume it is at least a head gasket and possibly the infamous head bolt issue. Top hose get hot way before it should (180deg, so I also need a thermostat. The car does not begin to steam out the exhaust until the engine is completely warm about (20 minutes at idle)and coolant temp is over 215deg. I assume the head bolt issue is causing the leak because the heads appear to have to be hot before separation occurs. If it was just the gasket I would expect it to steam much quicker. My question is, are my assumptions about the bolts reasonable and should I go ahead and order the time certs? Also, do I need to disconnect the HVAC/coolant to drop the cradle? Any DIY on that particular piece would be great. Thanks in advance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted August 4, 2010 Report Share Posted August 4, 2010 To cement it home, you could have a radiator shop test the coolant for by products of a failed head gasket, but you may be able to smell exhaust fumes in the coolant smell inside the tank. Napa sells a kit also, but if you can find a shop with a tester, that is quick and easy. Check into the studs also You can remove the compressor and ABS unit and set them asided and tie them off. Remove the radiator to make room, protect the AC condenser with plywood. 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...
lex97SLS Posted August 4, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2010 To cement it home, you could have a radiator shop test the coolant for by products of a failed head gasket, but you may be able to smell exhaust fumes in the coolant smell inside the tank. Napa sells a kit also, but if you can find a shop with a tester, that is quick and easy. Check into the studs also You can remove the compressor and ABS unit and set them asided and tie them off. Remove the radiator to make room, protect the AC condenser with plywood. I was hoping that was the case with the A/C, and ABS. I bought the Napa test kit yesterday and confirmed the combustion gasses in the coolant (yellow liquid) last night. I will likely be tackling the head gasket/timeserts next weekend. Appreciate the help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted August 5, 2010 Report Share Posted August 5, 2010 Ran a block check and confirmed leaking head (Yellow fluid). I think that pretty much confirms it. The head gaskets themselves rarely go. It's the bolt threads that pull. Insert all 20 bolt holes even if the threads look good unless this time is just for practice. I would also recommend that you either stud it (northstarperformance.com) or use Norms inserts (ebay). Both have a coarser thread than Timeserts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lex97SLS Posted August 5, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 5, 2010 Ran a block check and confirmed leaking head (Yellow fluid). I think that pretty much confirms it. The head gaskets themselves rarely go. It's the bolt threads that pull. Insert all 20 bolt holes even if the threads look good unless this time is just for practice. I would also recommend that you either stud it (northstarperformance.com) or use Norms inserts (ebay). Both have a coarser thread than Timeserts. I'll look into norms inserts, had not heard about those. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lex97SLS Posted August 9, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 9, 2010 Ran a block check and confirmed leaking head (Yellow fluid). I think that pretty much confirms it. The head gaskets themselves rarely go. It's the bolt threads that pull. Insert all 20 bolt holes even if the threads look good unless this time is just for practice. I would also recommend that you either stud it (northstarperformance.com) or use Norms inserts (ebay). Both have a coarser thread than Timeserts. I'll look into norms inserts, had not heard about those. Thanks! Do you know if there is a DIY with PICS for dropping the cradle? I will be dropping this week. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lex97SLS Posted August 24, 2010 Author Report Share Posted August 24, 2010 Time-Sert job completed! Also have my TIME-SERT J-42385-2000 Northstar Kit for sale if anyone is interested $299... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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