The inlaws own a '99 deville . Engine started overheating during a trip. They needed to top off coolant every couple days (1/2 - 1 gallon). Cadillac dealer says coolant leaking into #1 cylinder and that is causing the problem (head gasket/crack/etc).
Cadillac dealer says, "put a new engine in it" (~ $6500 total). Cadillac is not interested or willing to repair the current engine, they just want to put another engine in.
I was thinking i could just do a top end recondition/rebuild and replace the head gaskets etc as a favor to save them the $6500 as they would just pay for the new parts.
**** What i think i know after some research on the web **** (and could someone please share info or confirm) ...
- Seems this cadillac engine style has a history of this head gasket problem?
- Replacing the head gasket on this car is a **Major PITA** because ; > It is a tight squeeze under the hood > it is an aluminum engine that almost always get some failed/stripped head threads on bolt torque down requiring drill and retap with heli-coil insert or similar. > it is belt driven dohc engine so a pain to get cam timing set up > lotsa bits to pull to get to the head.
- Almost easier or better to drop the engine and trans together to do the head rebuild ? therefore why not just put in a used rebuilt engine and save the time and labor effort.
Did i miss anything ?
Any recommendations on which path to take ?
Any recommendations for a new/used/rebuilt engine ?
Is there a compatible NON-Aluminum engine that would work in this car ?
Thanks for any helpful advice, robb