I have a 1994 Pontiac Grand Am with the V6 3.1 engine. About a month or so ago I noticed a temperature spike on the guage. It shot up from about 1/4 to over 1/2 and cold air was coming out of the vent. I topped up the coolant, and everything was fine. Well about 2 weeks later the same thing happens, so once again I did the same thing. I have checked the dipstick, and it looks kinda greyish brown, and it goes way up the stick. I just had an oil change a couple of weeks ago too. So I am pretty sure that it is leaking coolant into the engine. Luckily enough for me I got a warranty that covers power train including head and head gaskets as well as seals and gaskets for all fluids, so I am pretty sure it is covered.
My question is this. How long can I go before it causes serious or irreversible damage to the engine. The car runs fine, good power, pretty smooth, so I don't notice anything wrong with it. Like I said I have had this problem for maybe a month or a bit more, and I haven't driven alot in that time, perhaps 1000-2000 KM tops. I am planning on taking the car in this week to get it fixed. Do you think I have waited too long ? What is the procedure for something like this ? My warranty covers up to $1500 Candian, I'm pretty sure that should cover the intake gasket if thats where the leak is. I suppose it could also be the head or head gasket too, but I'm not sure.
Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Regards, KDawg