Hot day blown HG

[Dreams Realized]

Hi guys,
Still new to DSMs, when worse thing could have happened, I blew a HG.

Traveling long distance in 100+ degrees temperatures and traveling over the pass caused the failure. I used a shit ton of water to help cool the engine while I coasted down to nearest mechanic. I figured I had blown a HG seeing how much water my engine was sucking to stay cool, mechanic did compression test and confirmed.


So here is the culprit thermostat was completely fused shut, and all the gaskets on thermostat nearly snapped. No leaks, no knocks, no weird noises at idle. Oil is slightly discolored (transparent brown, its normally dark brown/black with gold hue) but not chocolate milk or frothy. I drained the radiator at mechanics shop and it was about 90% water 10% antifreeze, so no oil made it into the cooling system I assume. Also normal exhaust fumes no white smoke no sweet smell.

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So my question is, is my engine toast or can I go get my HG replaced and machined? If so I plan on replacing my HG studs, all gaskets, radiator cap, etc.

I am just really worried I may have damaged my internals in some way which would elicit the need for a new motor. I have read other peoples posts, but I feel this is a case by case sort of thing. Thanks! I really dont want this car to be a bust as my profile name states, this car means the world to me.

 

[IMPERIALISTICAL]

You should get the head gasket changed, but My recommendations. Also change the timing belt{gates+product} & [tensioner} can be suited for new as well. sometimes better to have it. Complete Head gasket kit is best, also would be wise to change the (Radiator)
remember depending if the radiator is old. Could be sludge and all kinds of problems. Imdoing a timing job, myself. and its better to do it+can save alot of money. time job and headgasketjob costs/parts $250 plus labor++++++ do it yourself. Just Remember Timing. Procedure. "Extremely IMPORTANT"

 

[jakk220]

More than likely your bottom end is okay. The head, not so much. It is probably warped and will either need to be replaced or resurfaced depending on how badly it was overheated. I would probably just get a used bare head from somewhere. The metal can be softened after being overheated badly. You will also need to check the block to make sure that it did not warp. While a cast iron block can take some heat, it can still only take so much.

 

[Dreams Realized]

My timing belt and water pump were changed 20,000 miles ago so I am not sure that is necessary, unless you think the pump may have been damaged from overheating?

Also yeah I am going to tow the car to a machinist to look at my internals on Friday. I dont think its wise to slap on a new head gasket if the internals are broken, kind of seems like putting a bandaid on a broken arm.

 

[Talon96fwd]

Let me chime in. 1 year ago I blew a head gasket. Sent it out to have it resurfaced then reinstalled with a new head gasket. Haven’t seen any problems since.

 

[Dreams Realized]

Feel like I should update this thread incase anyone comes across the same issue in the future. I did not sustain heavy damage. I warped the bottom of my head pretty good from the steam, but nothing the machinist couldn't fix. None of my internals were damaged, no bent/broken valves, however I decided to upgrade some parts while I had the head out (I will update my build thread with all the goodies shortly). My head final thickness now sits at 3/1000th below minimum.

I bought a full engine gasket replacement kit and replaced all gaskets and bolts. I did all the work myself, it's all pretty straightforward, just time consuming.

My timeline was wack because I was working 250 miles away from home all summer, but for normal people it takes about 1 solid day to take out the head, 2-3 weeks for the machinist to restore head, 1 full day to put stuff back together.

Closing Notes:
Pretty common sense, don't drain too much coolant as the steam is what changed my bill from $25 (thermostat) to a few hundred (doesn't include upgraded internals)
if you can avoid driving in the mountains when it is 110F ambient, do so