Head Gasket vs Intake Gasket

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mistaake

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http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/5417602297.html

I emailed the seller - this is what they had to say:

"I noticed some froth in the oil which is what alerted me to the head gasket issue. I took it to the local Mechanic who gave me the bad news. I immediately quit driving it."

Is it possible that the problem is really the intake gasket and not the head gasket? Do you think the motor is OK even though there was coolant in the oil? I'd suspect that if it isn't knocking it'll be alright.

I think I could tackle the intake gaskets myself with the help of a friend, but the head gasket seems more difficult and not sure if me and my buddy could deal with that ourselves.

Finally, what is a reasonable offer on the vehicle? I think $1200 is too high - maybe $1000?
 

NAST96

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It's possible and maybe more likely to be just the intake gasket,although I have heard of a handful of head gaskets leaking. If you could get it for $800-$1000 it may be worth getting and tearing into. Only downfall is it has almost 200k on it, and could need a lot more work had it not been taken care of.
 

Ironhead

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You must assume the worst. Treat this truck as though it needs a head gasket job, and pay accordingly. What would it be worth with the torn upholstery, peeling paint, and high mileage, if the engine was fine? Let's say it would be worth $1500. Not sure about the Bay area market values.

Now, subtract the the price of the engine job, and you get a fair price.

Wild card? The coolant in the oil messed up the crank and cam.

Your call on this one.
 

mistaake

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Well, the reason I like this particular tahoe is because it had the transmission rebuilt at 130k. since i don't trust a 200k mile 4l60e this is definitely a pro. i can get a complete junkyard engine for $900 or a junkyard engine block and move everything over for like $200... maybe i'll offer him $900 for the whole vehicle... then again, this all seems like a big pain in the ass when i can buy a working tahoe/yukon for $1800 :'(
 
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skylark

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then again, this all seems like a big pain in the ass when i can buy a working tahoe/yukon for $1800 :'(
Exactly. If that engine ran with froth in then the oil it means that coolant/water was washing the oil away from the bearings. Sure you could get lucky but either way the life of that engine has been shortened. I will only buy something broken if I can get it on the road using my labor at the worst case scenario and still be able to sell a vehicle and make $1000. In your case if you spend $900 for the vehicle and end up with needing a $900 engine you are actually in the hole when you look at labor.
 

RichLo

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it looks like a good parts truck, but not something that would be worth fixing up even if it is just the intake gasket since it had frothy oil in it.
 
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