I think I have blown head gasket(s) :(

[lo-rolla]

Hey guys,

Just wondering what everyone thinks.
Vs running gear in a rodeo (has been for years) car got defected and wasn't driven for at least 2 months. Fired it up the other day to take it for a spin. Waiting for the car to warm up i noticed the idle was rough (like it had a big cam in it) like the rpm would drop right down then after a bit the computer or whatnot would bump the revs back up and it would be sweet for half a minute. Similar to hunting but not? Then saw alot of water coming out of the exhaust.
Then the bottom radiator hose blew off.

I checked the temp gauge right before it blew off and it was on about 1/4. Checked the oil cap and has very slight milky residue on it.

So I think they may be ####ed? It also makes me think the temp sender/sensor may be ####ed.

Thoughts?

 

[Brett_jjj]

Id do a compression check first,and if it shows everythings ok there, then check the inlet manifold gasket(s),which are a very common thing to fail on the V6 engines. When they have failed, they can cause coolant to come out the exhaust and enter the engine.

 

[James39]

Bottom hose blowing off tells me the themostat is not working and it looks like you need inlet manifold gaskets.

 

[lo-rolla]

Okay I will defiantly check the thermostat and see what's going on there and will do a comp test aswell.
Are the genuine Holden inlet gaskets the best or are there better aftermarket ones available?

 

[Brett_jjj]

Theres metal type inlet manifold gaskets available which are supposed to be better than the original type gaskets.

 

[James39]

Theres metal type inlet manifold gaskets available which are supposed to be better than the original type gaskets.

Was thinking of getting those last time I replaced them, have you tried them?

 

[azkwazere]

VS Ecotec, 9/10 its a valley gasket over the head gasket.

aZk.

 

[Brett_jjj]

Was thinking of getting those last time I replaced them, have you tried them?

No I havent, but Im going to give them a go next time I have to change them.

 

[lo-rolla]

Azk, what are the vt onwards like? Same deal as your saying?

 

[James39]

Azk, what are the vt onwards like? Same deal as your saying?

VS to VY is pretty much the same motor, just a few changes along the way.