Here's the story...last week the low coolant light came on; so I added more coolant but it seemed like over 2 gallons (not a good start). When I went to start the car the engine shuddered for a couple of seconds and then settled down. Car ran fine for about a mile; until I turned the heater on. Temp. gauge dropped off after that and got smoke from under the hood (are you kidding me?). Made it about 1/4 of a mile before I could park safely. Shut the car off, popped the hood and got smoke and sizzling in the back of the engine (not getting any better...). When the tow truck was loading her up I noticed a pretty oil/water milkshake on the ground (noooooooo....). Haven't had the time to check it yet, but wanted some thoughts on if it's just the head gasket or is my engine screwed? It's the 3.4 (around 156,000 miles +/- and engine ran great beforehand, no warning signs. Appreciate the input, thanks.

 

If it got that hot to "sizzle" and the "sizzle" was the engine and not fluids dripping on exhaust I'm saying it's toast. Also idk how you had an external leak that noticeable. And finally if you dumped 2 gallons of coolant in it the original 2 gallons went somewhere and if into the crank case that's bad as coolant will trash bearings very quick.

 

That's what I was afraid of. Not sure if it was the engine or fluids sizzling, but I know it wasn't normal. Looks like new engine time; just pondering if I should go 3.4 or L36 3.8. The 3.4's in the j.y. here go for $700+, while 3.8s go for around $500+. If I recall, all I need for the 3.8 swap is the engine, pcm, and wiring harness, correct? Thanks turbo monte

 

buy a l67 (supercharged 3800) if your swapping to a 3800 engine. and im not sure if the trans is the same or not...

 

Sounds like a head gasket Mine did the same at 170,00.

 

Yes if you get a new engine go with the supercharged one. It wouldn't make sense to go with any other one really.

 

Quick update: had a mechanic friend check out the car yesterday. The lower intake manifold gasket failed, causing all the coolant to go into the cylinders (the oil dipstick was a lovely oil/water beige color) as well as a rear head gasket failure. Safe to say its new engine time. Going with an L36 3.8; the 3.4 are expensive at $700+ and not a fan of superchargers (just a personal view, plus added expense of beefing up the transmission's not in the budget) and I can pick up a good L36 for around $500.

 

Sorry to hear about your Monte

 

Thanks, P343, but she will be back. I'm not giving up on it so easily.