What's a good way to determine engine damage?

[longview]

Hi folks,
I was hoping you could help me decide if getting my oil analyzed would be of any use in determining potential engine damage. I have a ‘97 venture van, which recently overheated, I had the coolant flushed and new thermostat installed, with no change in symptoms, (temp. gauge fluctuates between hot and slightly below normal- erratically). Next I took it to the Gm dealer and their analysis, without breaking down the engine, showed coolant (dex-cool) in the #1 cylinder and in the engine oil.
The car was driven about 6 miles after the initial breakdown, but not to the point of overheating, then driven another 5 miles to the Gm dealer, pulling over once at a point close to overheating and allowed to cool down. Unfortunately the service center that did the initial flush/therm. let the car run for about an hour, “checking it every 20 minutes”, for overheating not noticing any problem then telling me it was fixed. After driving a couple of miles I found the problem wasn’t fixed. I don’t know if it was running hot while they had it or not, either way if coolant is in the oil it isn’t good for the motor. My predicament is whether to have the manifold gaskets done (I’m assuming this is the cause, where as this 3.4L engine is notorious for them) or has too much damage been done- making it a waste of labor$$$. Should I just get a new engine like the GM dealer suggested? Any thoughts whether an oil analysis would be helpful to determine engine damage in this situation are appreciated. Or any other suggestions. Thanks Paul

 

[MolaKule]

If you had coolant in a cylinder this coolant leaked into the oil. Why didn't the GM dealer change the oil immediately after the leak was discovered? Changing the oil would have lessened any possible future damage to the bearings.

I would have the oil sampled to see what level the wear metals are, say iron, aluminum, and copper for sure.

The you can determine how much internal wear accrued due to the coolant.

Does the oil on the dipstick have a milky or extremely "muddied" look to it?

 

[longview]

The car is still sitting in the dealers lot I'll have to move it tomorrow. It still has the same oil in it so I plan on getting a sample for testing. I just wasn't sure if it would be a good enough barometer for engine damage. I plan to take it to an independent garage for a second opinion. Then tow it home test the oil and wait for the results. If it appears I have engine damage I might go with NECO they are $900 less for a new reman. verses what the GM dealer was quoting plus they will come and tow the vehicle for nothing. PK

 

[Matto]

If your oil analysis shows even a modest amount of coolant in the oil, why not just fix the problem (gasket). Replacing the entire engine is going a bit overboard, don't you think. Even if there is some bearing damage, you still may get years of service from that motor.

 

[outrun]

I say replace the gaskets.....my car is in the shops with a intake manifold gasket leak.

Which I firmly suspect DEX-COOL the culprit off.

Get an oil change and whenever you drain it have the sample set in for analysis. That will give you some idea of the internal condition.

NECO engine? If you absolutely need a new engine try Jasper Engines and Transmissions. They are stout and high quality remanafactured assemblies featuring a standard 75,000mile/36month warranty.

Whereas AC Delco units are more expensive and have a less comprehensive 36,000mile warranty.

Food for thought....a new engine is a worst case scenario. These coolant leaks are more common than people think. Welcome to the club!

 

[Drew99GT]

My brother's 4.3L Jimmy recently did the same thing. The crankcase however is full, **** near to the top of the dipstick, with coolent though. I've heard too many people, especially with the 3.4L V-6, have the gasket completely fail. They get it replaced, totally clean out the sludgy crud out of the engine, only to have sieze 500 miles later from severe bearing damage. That's what my brother is having to do with his truck. I'd go with a remanufactured engine if you have like 70,000 miles or over . If you spend the $800 or so bucks do get the new gasket and then need a new motor shortly after, then it would be all for not. And, many people on grandamgt.com have had 3 or more NEW gaskets installed (intake manifold) at GM dealers only to have them fail again in 15,000 miles. That's exactly why I recently sold my 99 Grand Am GT. I don't want to deal with this sort of BS from a car manufacturer any more.