Blown Head Gaskets /

[Erik1000]

My friends GN kept overheating. We used a "blown Head tester" and the liquid stayed blue. He took it to a shady mechanic, he put in a new radiator, and now all of a sudden it's smoking from the tailpipes. It didn't smoke before we took the car to him. Even the car drives different and rides like junk.

We used the head tester again and sure enough the blue liquid turned yellow. It's my belief that the mechanic let the car overheat to get the head job secured [$1400]. I had a bad feeling about this guy and told him not to use this guy.

Anyway I noticed smoke was also coming from a pipe that connects to the turbo [I circled the part].

1. What are the 2 gaskets that connect those pipes?

2. Where can we get good head gaskets [part number please] from? the engine is a stock motor from 87 gn

3. After we get the he'd gaskets, what is the price range for someone to do this job?

Thank you any help is appreciated

 

[bison]

Chances are the mechanic didn't let the engine overheat and there's an extremely big chance the car was beat to hell over the years and ran in the grenade mode over and over again. The engine is noticeably modified and I'd bet a lot of $$$ there were no data logs or real time tuning feedback. Looking at the picture I don't see any lines with zip tires and I see connections at the TPS with the grommets falling out. Big possibility the wastegate could be seized. Just looking at this assuming the heads need to come off and be re-surfaced I'd expect a individual competent on turbo regals to spend several hours fixing all the loose ends they come across as they go and there will likely be a lot of them. I'd expect to pay $2500 to get it up to par. This doesn't include replacing any major broken parts. $1400 for the heads is a good quote but that would be with nothing extra. Very rarely is there nothing extra


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[Pronto]

There's some funkyness going on with the TPS wires and as Bison said no zip ties on the vacuum lines. They all look to be barely on the block. I'm sure they leak vacuum and boost. Of course that doesn't solve the head gasket issue but it's a good bet hammering on the car with these issues and unknown tune/fuel did major damage. As far as the gasket goes Google external wastegate gasket. Dozens show up. Right now that's the least of your problems.

 

[earlbrown]

Wow.... just... Wow....


That car needs to got to an actual Trubo Buick mechanic shop. I HIGHLY recommed showing up with at least a case of beer in the trunk on ice (and another one to replace it).

With any luck you'll hit a nerve and the tech will hate the idea of that car and all those parts going to waste.


I can't stop looking at that vale on the radiator support... I wonder if the mechanic gave it a little twist before ''test driving'' the car after the radiator install? (or made sure it was 'fully tightened'' )

 

[EVIL]

That motor looks like it's been needing a spring cleaning and then some for quite a few years.

You should do lots of research on here and you can fix 75% of the things yourself.

If you had a bad vibe about the mechanic and your friend didn't listen, shame on him.

I bet they beat that car hard.

Research Research Research and ask questions. Some of us are here to help.

D

 

[Erik1000]

Chances are the mechanic didn't let the engine overheat and there's an extremely big chance the car was beat to hell over the years and ran in the grenade mode over and over again. The engine is noticeably modified and I'd bet a lot of $$$ there were no data logs or real time tuning feedback. Looking at the picture I don't see any lines with zip tires and I see connections at the TPS with the grommets falling out. Big possibility the wastegate could be seized. Just looking at this assuming the heads need to come off and be re-surfaced I'd expect a individual competent on turbo regals to spend several hours fixing all the loose ends they come across as they go and there will likely be a lot of them. I'd expect to pay $2500 to get it up to par. This doesn't include replacing any major broken parts. $1400 for the heads is a good quote but that would be with nothing extra. Very rarely is there nothing extra


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Thanks you for the response, I appreciate it.

 

[Erik1000]

There's some funkyness going on with the TPS wires and as Bison said no zip ties on the vacuum lines. They all look to be barely on the block. I'm sure they leak vacuum and boost. Of course that doesn't solve the head gasket issue but it's a good bet hammering on the car with these issues and unknown tune/fuel did major damage. As far as the gasket goes Google external wastegate gasket. Dozens show up. Right now that's the least of your problems.

Thank you, neither one of us are mechanics. I thought the best place to get answers would be from a GN forum.

 

[Erik1000]

That motor looks like it's been needing a spring cleaning and then some for quite a few years.

You should do lots of research on here and you can fix 75% of the things yourself.

If you had a bad vibe about the mechanic and your friend didn't listen, shame on him.

I bet they beat that car hard.

Research Research Research and ask questions. Some of us are here to help.

D

I know i didnt want to say that. It's already after the fact and it's his ride...his bread! He's not a hands on guy so I know he's not going to try and fix it. I do know what you mean. I am part of a volvo forum and get a ton of "know how"

Thank you

 

[seedling]

I know i didnt want to say that. It's already after the fact and it's his ride...his bread! He's not a hands on guy so I know he's not going to try and fix it. I do know what you mean. I am part of a volvo forum and get a ton of "know how"

Thank you

I think what they're trying to tell you is that he needs to get on here and research how to fix it (whether he plans to fix it himself or not). Otherwise he very well may find himself doing the same thing over and again.

I'm no expert and I certainly don't have half the knowledge of some of those that have answered here alone. However, these cats know what they're talking about and if your buddy is willing to listen? Then he can learn what his car needs. That way he can make sure that he is getting what he needs when he needs it.

He also needs to find a reputable Buick guy in your area. Because it is not just a cliche when they say these cars have special needs! And if u get a tech that doesn't know about these cars? Then even a reasonably good tech can actually screw the car up / make it worse than it was! I'm not suggesting that is what happened in your case at all. However, you really need somebody familiar with these cars no matter what!

The point being is that your buddy has no idea how much he doesn't know (that he must know if he wants to enjoy his car). And while he should be loving the fabulous piece of technology that he owns, however, if he ignores all of this. Then I wouldn't be surprised to see him on here looking to unload the car! And that would be a crying shame because these cars can be an absolute blast to own. But, the perceived enjoyment can only come from making a proper investment (both time and money)!

Put it like this he'll save himself a whole lot of time, money and heartache just by spending a little time on here! Trust me it's well worth it!!




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[earlbrown]

This is going to be one hell of a hard hill to climb. A neglected stock-ish car is pretty damn difficult to stay ahead of. The learning curve is often times steeper than the blown headgasket curve.


If you guys really want to sort this car out yourself, you really need to find a well versed GN owner local to you. It's not at all uncommon for one of use to meet up with a newbie and look a car over to sort it out. (unless you're in west Georgia LOL).

That car is so far from stock, you would literally have to have a pornographic memory and memorize this entire site to stand a chance. It's just a rough place to start with a car that's not more like a 'standard bolt-on car'.

 

[TURBOELKY]

Post pics of the car and a price. He either needs to become "hands on" or sell it. There's no such thing as a Buick owner who doesn't at least know basics....or have a real good friend to help them. As mentioned, even if repaired, chances are very high it will happen again....maybe even on the drive home

 

[Pronto]

It's likely the head gaskets were going and then a little "test" drive finished the job. Where are you guys located? There may be an experienced member near that can help or at least point you in the right direction. The owner needs to do some learning or this car will be nothing but a giant expensive door stop. Better yet, you take the car off his hands for cheap and you learn about it.

 

[Erik1000]

Chances are the mechanic didn't let the engine overheat and there's an extremely big chance the car was beat to hell over the years and ran in the grenade mode over and over again. The engine is noticeably modified and I'd bet a lot of $$$ there were no data logs or real time tuning feedback. Looking at the picture I don't see any lines with zip tires and I see connections at the TPS with the grommets falling out. Big possibility the wastegate could be seized. Just looking at this assuming the heads need to come off and be re-surfaced I'd expect a individual competent on turbo regals to spend several hours fixing all the loose ends they come across as they go and there will likely be a lot of them. I'd expect to pay $2500 to get it up to par. This doesn't include replacing any major broken parts. $1400 for the heads is a good quote but that would be with nothing extra. Very rarely is there nothing extra


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I think what they're trying to tell you is that he needs to get on here and research how to fix it (whether he plans to fix it himself or not). Otherwise he very well may find himself doing the same thing over and again.

I'm no expert and I certainly don't have half the knowledge of some of those that have answered here alone. However, these cats know what they're talking about and if your buddy is willing to listen? Then he can learn what his car needs. That way he can make sure that he is getting what he needs when he needs it.

He also needs to find a reputable Buick guy in your area. Because it is not just a cliche when they say these cars have special needs! And if u get a tech that doesn't know about these cars? Then even a reasonably good tech can actually screw the car up / make it worse than it was! I'm not suggesting that is what happened in your case at all. However, you really need somebody familiar with these cars no matter what!

The point being is that your buddy has no idea how much he doesn't know (that he must know if he wants to enjoy his car). And while he should be loving the fabulous piece of technology that he owns, however, if he ignores all of this. Then I wouldn't be surprised to see him on here looking to unload the car! And that would be a crying shame because these cars can be an absolute blast to own. But, the perceived enjoyment can only come from making a proper investment (both time and money)!

Put it like this he'll save himself a whole lot of time, money and heartache just by spending a little time on here! Trust me it's well worth it!!




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Trust me, I know exactly what you mean. I'll I can do is forward the info. It's up to him to do what he need to do or keep taking chances.

I'm looking for a shop that specializes in this car as a friend. This was actually the car I wanted in high school. That was back in 1996.

 

[Erik1000]

It's likely the head gaskets were going and then a little "test" drive finished the job. Where are you guys located? There may be an experienced member near that can help or at least point you in the right direction. The owner needs to do some learning or this car will be nothing but a giant expensive door stop. Better yet, you take the car off his hands for cheap and you learn about it.

Lol...only if I had the money. Even with a blown head gasket the car is still worth some money.

Straight body, almost new paint, t-tops, 2- tone perforated leather seating, leather wrapped everything, suede headliner, suede rear deck, marine carpet, sound system, after market guage, alligator console, and custom cut real woodgrain pieces for the interior. Feels like you're in a brand new car. Everything was cool until this whole thing happened.

 

[Erik1000]

Post pics of the car and a price. He either needs to become "hands on" or sell it. There's no such thing as a Buick owner who doesn't at least know basics....or have a real good friend to help them. As mentioned, even if repaired, chances are very high it will happen again....maybe even on the drive home

Might not be a bad idea. I know he mentioned it before all of this happened. I doubt it though. There's still a lot of money tied up into it. I briefly already described it. I don't have any pictures though...sorry

 

[Charles Young]

Marine carpet, alligator console (wtf?), wood grain.... Are you serious?


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[seedling]

Lol...only if I had the money. Even with a blown head gasket the car is still worth some money.

Straight body, almost new paint, t-tops, 2- tone perforated leather seating, leather wrapped everything, suede headliner, suede rear deck, marine carpet, sound system, after market guage, alligator console, and custom cut real woodgrain pieces for the interior. Feels like you're in a brand new car. Everything was cool until this whole thing happened.

Wow! Sorry, but, the pic you supplied above so does not match the car that you just described! Please do not misunderstand I'm not suggesting that your being dishonest at all!! It's just that it seems crazy for someone to invest all that money in paint / body and interior work (while neglecting the true reason for the cars being in the first place)! Which of course resides under the hood!!!

Swwwwuuurrrrbbooo baby!!



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[greeneyegi]

This is what I picture

 

[fastblackracing]

Post up what part of the country your friend and the GN are in so that some of the members can
point you in the direction of a good GN mechanic.

Dont let someone who is not very familiar with these cars attempt to fix it....you will very likely have continued
problems if you do.

The best money your friend can spend right now is on the right guy to fix the gaskets and the underhood issues...
and their looks to me to be a lot of issues. And then have them straighten out the tune and driveability issues,
fix any oil leaks as the oil pan should come off to do the job properly any way.

Who knows what shape the fuel system is in and it will be money well spent.
I would figure on 2500-3000 if there is only smaller side issues to deal with and more if there are big
issues discovered.

They named them Grand Nationals for a reason.....every time you get an extra grand
you put it in a envelope in the glove box.....for repairs or upgrades.

 

[Erik1000]

Marine carpet, alligator console (wtf?), wood grain.... Are you serious?


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Is there something wrong with customizing interior or something?


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