So I've noticed my coolant has been slowly disappearing over the last month or so. Nothing excessive, but knowing the 0331 head cracking issues, I definitely have been a little worried. Last week I topped it up about a quart after about 2 months of driving.
Today my windshield washer light goes off and I decide to do a quick check under the hood. The usual power steering, transmission, etc. I looked at the coolant overflow and noticed it was down about an inch below the cold level. (This is after driving for about half an hour) So I throw some coolant in it, and decided to check the oil. I pull out the dipstick, and everything looks good. Then it crosses my mind to check the oil filler cap. I open it up, and stuck to the bottom of the cap is exactly what I didn't want to see. Sludge-like chocolate milk. DAMMIT!!
Now I've owned this thing for about a year and a half, and the leaking has only started within the last couple months. I've never, ever overheated it, or even come close. Regardless, there's coolant in my oil, and I'm 99% sure of where it's coming from.
So on to my questions. Is there actually a pre-2000 head that swaps onto my engine without and modifications? Is there an aftermarket one that will do the job? Any idea what a new head costs? (I don't want to replace it with another 0331) How many hours would a shop charge to do this? Is it straight forward enough that someone who's never done one could do it themselves.
I do want to keep this thing for many more years, so I'd like to have this fixed once and for all. Thanks for all your info.
My first post too!!
Today my windshield washer light goes off and I decide to do a quick check under the hood. The usual power steering, transmission, etc. I looked at the coolant overflow and noticed it was down about an inch below the cold level. (This is after driving for about half an hour) So I throw some coolant in it, and decided to check the oil. I pull out the dipstick, and everything looks good. Then it crosses my mind to check the oil filler cap. I open it up, and stuck to the bottom of the cap is exactly what I didn't want to see. Sludge-like chocolate milk. DAMMIT!!
Now I've owned this thing for about a year and a half, and the leaking has only started within the last couple months. I've never, ever overheated it, or even come close. Regardless, there's coolant in my oil, and I'm 99% sure of where it's coming from.
So on to my questions. Is there actually a pre-2000 head that swaps onto my engine without and modifications? Is there an aftermarket one that will do the job? Any idea what a new head costs? (I don't want to replace it with another 0331) How many hours would a shop charge to do this? Is it straight forward enough that someone who's never done one could do it themselves.
I do want to keep this thing for many more years, so I'd like to have this fixed once and for all. Thanks for all your info.
My first post too!!