Hello.

I have a '94 S10 4x4. 148,500 miles on her. Anyway...I had a friend come over who part-times as a mechanic, and he tells me I have a blown head gasket. I tell him my engine's symptoms:

- White, looming smoke coming from the exhaust...not the normal type you see that just fades away instantly
- Had to continually replace coolant (ex: I'd fill my reservoir 3/4 full...and 2 days later it's empty
- Pulled the dipstick out, and the facking oil is that Hershey's chocolate color
- Engine starts fine, but just has that smoke out the tailpipe
- Haven't driven this beast since the day I tried to turn my heat on low...and all I got was cold air

I figure he's pretty much right.

My question(s) are:

- Where is the gasket located (I'm not really an under-the-hood guy...normally my buddy did everything, but he says he doesn't want to touch this)? Photo?
- He said basically my only option is a complete engine swap....what would that set me back, and where could I find one?
- How much damage has been done?

Any help is GREATLY APPRECIATED, as this has really caught me off guard and thrown life into a tailspin for me.

Thanks.

 

I would not jump to the conclusion that it is a head gasket failure based on the information you provided. It could be an intake manifold gasket which is far less work to replace and far more common.

Do run a compression test first to see if you find a cylinder that is low. When you remove the plugs, inspect them. A cylinder that is sucking coolant will have a very clean plug as the coolant will literally steam clean everything.

Above all else, do not drive the truck with coolant in the oil. That is a sure fire way to having to put a rebuilt or used motor in.

 

head gaskets are located on either side of the intake manifold on top the block, situated over the cylinders. It is quite a bit of work to remove them, not to mention all the things that might need inspected/replaced once they are off, but it is much cheaper than taking it to a shop. the gasket set is around $70 for a cheap set.

Everybody has to have a first time doing head gaskets, once you do one you will definitely know if you will trouble yourself with it again in the future.

One really good thing is at least you have a forum of people that have some experience of this kinda procedure to rely on. Its better than trying to figure it out yourself.