Engine Issues.

[Camaro97V6]

Hello All,

Its been a while since I have been on the forum! Far too long but I recently purchased a 94 Camaro 3.4L. It has around 114,000 Miles on it and I am having an issue with it overheating. I checked the oil and it is brownish and seems like it is a little over filled like water/coolant leaking into it. When it got close to the red on temp gauge I would experience a loss of power. I am just looking into the possibilities of what this could be and I am praying its not a head gasket or even worse. I do not even know where to start to begin the elimination process. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!! I hope I posted this in the right area if not I apologize in advance! Thanks.

Jeff

[kristen]

Re: Engine Issues.

if it looks like coolant is leaking into it....thats not a good sign.

check your coolant level. see if they are going down?

any leaks ne where else(sweet smells)

might just want to put a new thermostat in there. only a few bucks

[Camaro97V6]

Re: Engine Issues.

Kristen - Thanks for the response I am in the process of changing out the thermostat - I will repost when it is complete! Thanks again.

Jeff

[Camaro97V6]

Re: Engine Issues.

ok - so i replaced the thermostat and did an oil change. The oil that came out was like a think brown did not look good. I have no driven the car because not too sure what the thick brown oil means? Any suggestions?

[cantrip]

Re: Engine Issues.

Gotta replace your head gasket.

Thick chocolate milk oil = coolant in oil.

[Camaro97V6]

Re: Engine Issues.

how expensive is that going to run? just a rough estimate.

[cantrip]

Re: Engine Issues.

Not sure, just shop around, they have packages for head gasket replacements. I think I saw a couple around 150-200 maybe? You will need a bunch of gaskets due to the fact you take half of the motor apart. Upper intake manifold, lower intake manifold, head gaskets, exhaust manifold gaskets etc. You will also need new head bolts or maybe some ARP head studs and new rocker bolts. Now would be a good time to maybe replace your lifters if your engine is pretty old, and also if you want some power and don't want to take it apart again later you can get some new roller rockers.

[MIKE1stcamv6]

Re: Engine Issues.

I WOULD SAY FROM $500 TO $1000 if you cant do it your self it is very importent to get a good mechanic to do the job maybe a trusted one if you have one or if that exsist
and be carefull with recomended mechanics that can go bad just like a random and good luck maybe it will be cheaper or the same if you get a new motor or a 3.8L or maybe not

[Camaro97V6]

Re: Engine Issues.

Should I try to find another engine to swap into it? I know the 3.4L thats in there now is a 60 degree motor and to put in a 3.8L is a 90 degree would that be a problem? I'm just trying to figure out some options here since I need to do something soon and money is an issue.

[cantrip]

Re: Engine Issues.

I have never done extensive work on an engine and I got down to the block and would be done if it weren't for the bad block that I have. Go at it yourself if you want and it will only cost you a couple hundred. If you replace the motor it will cost more and be a lot more work or cost a lot if a shop does it.