Expert: Van - 8/18/2005

Question
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Followup To
Question -
its a 1990 chevy blazer it has a blown head gasket and milk shaked oil wuts the problem  , how can it be fixed and how much do you think itll cost?

Answer -
Hi Ryan,
Pull both heads, and replace the gaskets. Will also need an intake gasket, and a few other miscellaneous items, but not all that expensive. About a hundred dollars, if you do the work.

But while the heads are off is a good time for a valve job.

Van

thanks man but one thing u didnt answer wuts the milk shaked oil mean ? how can that be fixed and wuts the miscelaneous items

Answer
Hello Ryan,
I guess I just assumed you would know that the milkshake oil was due to the leak.
Coolant leaks past the head gasket, into the oil holes and into the crankcase. It is mixed into the oil by the movement of the crankshaft, and forms a mixture that looks like milkshake.
That is a situation you don't want to run any more than it already has, because the coolant ruins the lubrication ability of the oil, and if run long will ruin the parts protected by the oil.
When the headgaskets are replaced, then clean as much sludge as possible, and change the oil and filter. Flush the engine with the first oil, and then change it pretty soon after the repairs are completed. Maybe twice within the first twenty miles or so to get it out of there, then all will be normal.

The miscellaneous parts are like thermostat gasket...maybe a thermostat. Heater hoses if needed. Radiator hoses if needed. Clean the radiator if needed.
Just different stuff that would be good to catch while doing the main work.

Like the valve jobs would be extra, and if any valves are warped...that would be considered miscellaneous.

Exhaust manifold gaskets, new antifreeze, etc.

Van