leaking antifreeze 2000 alero

[tom]

I have 3400 engine in 2000 alero (V6 of course). Been having problem with my antifreeze leaking, So I assume the lower intake gasket again(which I have already replace 6 years ago with no problem) but this time after I replace it I notice coffee color oil (antifreeze getting in the oil). So figure I must have done something wrong so I replace the lower intake gasket again making sure I tighten everything with correct torgue. Still the same problem, if not worst. I took the front valve cover off (because I didn’t see any coffee color from the back valve cover last time) to see if I can see where the antifreeze is comming from, I can see the the coffee color oozing on the top of the 2 center pushrods and rockers not quite from the gaskets itself (from what I can see) and white steam comming valley (or between the two heads)and notice bubbling on the bottom (not sure if that is normal). Not really into replacing the head gasket, but before I do, I want to make sure first.
Thanks
P.S.I do have pictures and video if needed

Topic

[Mathieu]

I saw some picture on Google of the motor without the gasket. I saw one place where the coolant come from nee the oil motor head. My deduction, gasket leak may also leak motor oil in you manifold. So I’m pretty sure you need to replace It whit OEM part as possible to avoid to change It again sooner that expected. The picture I saw was on this forum : coolant_intake_manifold_gasket

[Jared Thomson]

Sounds like a head gasket. Did you check the oil for water? I would try doing a leakdown and/or a cooling system pressure test to see where that coolant is going.

[tom]

I am going to work on getting a pressure test instrument, but how do you check for water in the oil? Other then milk chocolate (coffee color) oil from the antifreeze

[Jared Thomson]

Actually, if I re-read correctly, you already noticed that the oil had water in it? I would try checking the cylinder(s) closest to the bubbling you noticed. If you put pressure to the system and notice air or bubbles coming out of either the side of the head where the gasket is, or the radiator/coolant tank, its pretty safe to say you need a head gasket.

[tom]

I set up air pressure into the hoses attached to the coolant surge tank (no more then 20psi) and didn’t see any bubbles next to the rockers and pushrods or hear any hissing sound, maybe slight hissing sound from the overflow hose, but I guess because it is over the 15psi

Well here is the video hopefully this works, sorry for it being long, but watch the last min:

Here is the picture the rocker and pushrod with creamy color

Attachments:

• alero.jpg

[John B Kobberstad]

Have a block test done to check for a bad head gasket, you may be able to get a loaner block test tool at Auto Zone.

[Mathieu]

I eared 2 hissing on the valve in your video after the engine warm up. Smoke coming up from the valve. So the valve seal was not tight. Smoke like this coming from the passenger side cause pressure in the motor head and create gasket leak. I saw order video on youtube that the motor head cover was opened and when the valve seal was too dry smoke comming up but not as much. The rubber on the valve seal may be replace too.
[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ob_4-F-m1FI[/video]

[EricTheCarGuy]

Running the engine with the valve cover off really isn’t going to tell you anything. If you’re concerned about coolant leakage or a head gasket failure use the methods shown in the video that was posted about engine overheats. As for your picture I’m really not seeing coolant mixing with oil according to the pictures you have. Use the pressure test in the video to find out if you have a pressure leak and then look for the source.

[tom]

When started the car I notice first some water coming out of tailpipe and consistent amount white smoke afterwards and it failed miserably on block test (combustion test)
I did the spark plug compression test (I disconnected the coil pack) and got compression test of 120 on #2 (middle front) but when I did #3 (front left passenger side) I got 150psi then huge popping sound and it drop to 0psi, so stop doing that and reconnecting coil and still started no problem. I guess I no choice will just have take apart again but this get to the head gasket.

[Mathieu]

So finally It’s a head gasket problem. Keep us posted

[Jared Thomson]

I hate it when I blow a gasket! 😛

[tom]

so here is pictures of the front cylinder heads remove and the first pictures is with the gasket, 2nd without, and third is under the cynlinder heads, other the gaskets is bad, cant see anything crack on the heads, but under cynlinder heads it is really black on the left

Attachments:

• P1000908.JPG
• P1000909.JPG
• under.jpg

[Mathieu]

Holy cow :ohmy: :ohmy: :ohmy: . Hopefully you got time and tool to do the gaskets work. It’s really bad things about how much coolant in there.

[college man]

keep us posted on your progress.

[-=Col.Mantras=-]

Make sure you have those heads checked by a machine shop prior to re-installing them. Also, you will get a new set of valve seals with your head gasket kit. Give those to the machine shop at the same time and have them installed. You will need new head bolts as they are torque to yield and can only be used once. Also I always get a new set of lower intake bolts for the same reason. Run a thread chaser down into the block for the head bolts (not a tap) and make sure everything is CLEAN when you reassemble. I’ve done many of these jobs. There’s also a seal on the oil pump drive, (it looks like the bottom half of a distributor) installed in the top of the engine block under where the throttle body would be that I also change. I would pop a new thermostat in while it’s apart, they’re a bugger to change when the engine is all assembled.

Cheers!

[Author]

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