Ok, I might be trading my chopper for a 996 with a blown head gasket. I don't know the history of the car, or the shop that has the car. The owner said it has oil in the coolant, and he said his mechanic diagnosed it as a blown head gasket.


Am I getting into a super Expensive fix?

Or are these a typical problem?


I own a 997, and I am familiar with the IMS, and RMS problems, but I haven't heard of blown head gaskets...


Please LMK,
Thanks

 

No it is not "typical". The biggest issue to me is why. If it was due to overheating you'll need new heads as well. And, possibly more.

 

These cars almost NEVER blow head gaskets. If there is oil/water mixing, it's a cracked head, oil cooler, or AOS. Unless you want to drop a bunch of cash into this car, walk away.

 

If a bet was going, my money would be on a cracked head. Just keep in mind if it has had water in the oil and has been ran long it most likely needs a a rebuild due to the bearing surfaces not having the proper lubercation.

 

Be Carefull it will be a cracked head or a core plug popped in the head

If it's been run for any length of time like that and wear has occurred it will be non viable to repair financially

Maybe you could bore scope it to see if the cylinders are scored at all, if they are, the rest of the bearing surfaces will be damaged

The cranks can't be re ground and the cam bearings are machined into the heads so if they are damaged they have to be scrapped !!

Cylinders can be sleeved but it's not cheap!!

Be very Carefull could be a right money pit like my rebuild !!

 

All of you guys are right... Cracked head!


I talked to his mechanic and he sent the head out to try to get it repaired and they found the crack. He doesn't know if it was driven like that or what, but my guess would be Yes. I was trading the guy my chopper for the car, but my chopper is worth about $11k, I don't think the car is worth that, not to mention I would have to spend about $7-10k to get it right.


That sucks, guess I will walk...

 

These cars almost NEVER blow head gaskets.

 

What year is the car? Certain years have thiner head castings & are more prone to cracking.

 

Walk away! Even if he repairs it down the road you never know, these engines cost from 15k - 20k. Keep looking around, there are plenty out there.
FWIW, I've found that not getting attached or emotional about purchasing something and knowing when to walk away is always the best approach.


Good luck.