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08-27-2015
Hi Guys -
I just joined the forums. I'm from Minnesota and am considering buying a 2004 Grand Prix GT. It has 106k miles. Seems to be in overall good condition. The concern I have, is I took off the radiator cap and saw this. I've heard conflicting opinions. Some say its Dexicool coolant and just needs to be flushed. Some say it is the intake or head gasket. What are your thoughts? I don't want to get into a car with headaches. Thanks!
08-27-2015
Where at in MN?
To me it looks like dexcool sludge, very common.
Intake gasket leaks will eat the coolant and pool coolant in the lower intake manifold on the outside. Head gaskets are not a common issue at all.
08-27-2015
I'm in Red Wing about 60-70 mile south of you. Thanks for the quick reply. I like the car and it's clean overall. I just keep hearing different opinions and some scare me. I've had more "reputable" opinions on the dexicool sludge though. That's why I came to the experts here. This is going to be my winter/second car. My primary is a Jeep SRT8 which I'm very good with. This is all new to me so thanks in advance.
08-27-2015
I would bet that the coolant in still the factory stuff from 2004 and that the intake gaskets have no been changed yet.
I'd loook between the cylinder head and intake manifold to see what color the gasket is. If the gasket is black, that thing is a ticking time bomb to me. Giving that it's still got dexcool and the fact that the factory intake gaskets have a high failure rate past 100k miles. They make an upgraded aluminum style intake gasket to fix the issue forever. That would be the best time to flush the system and clean everything out aswell.
08-27-2015
Thanks again. A buddy of mine pretty much said the same thing. Said he'd go look at it with me. I may just keep looking. Problem is, I don't want to spend a lot for a second car. I want to stay under $5k
08-27-2015
I agree with ffpd, Dexcrap sludge.
Originally Posted by The Sunfire Guy
08-27-2015
Doing the intake manifold gasket is not cheap per say, but also not expensive. You're saving yourself much more money doing it yourself. The LIM gasket set is about $70 + the UIM gasket set is about $40 or $50. For the coolant flush, all you need is coolant and maybe a flush fluid. $25 right there. So around $150 or $160. Don't cheap out on gaskets either. Fel-Pro FTW. And if you drain the coolant before the LIM gasket change, you don't need to change your oil, but if you get coolant into the valley, you need to flush it out with oil.
08-27-2015
If I buy the car and start with a coolant flush how long can I get by before changing the gasket? I'd definitely want to do it, but time will not be on my side for a bit. I have a business trip coming up next week. 290 miles each way. Should I be OK?
08-28-2015
Hey Guys -
Thanks for all the advice. I offered him $4k for it and he's considering it. I'm hoping I'm not too far out of touch on this?
- Potential 2004 Grand Prix GT bone stock
-'07 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 - Procharger D1 - 80#
Injectors - Walbro 405 - Dayco Tensioner - Red Race Valve
- Diablo Trinity - Blue Tops - Jannetty Tuned - Jet 180* Tstat - 6000K HIDs - Diode
Dynamics XML2 Fog LEDs - 9" DVD Headrest Monitors - LED Interior Lights - Nitto
420s Tires - PB 1/4 time 11.78 - 0-60 3.62
Last edited by 1FSTSRT; 08-28-2015 at 11:58 AM.
08-28-2015
You need to go into your settings to set that as your sig. But if your LIM gasket is total trash it would be best to change it immediately. But starting with flushing the coolant is a good start.
08-28-2015
Ha! I know, I did. It says I have "too many lines" even though I made it less than 4 like it says. I'll keep playing with it. The flush will be done asap for sure. Just hope that doesn't uncover more problems. But, I do have to admit this is the cleanest lowest mileage one I could find in my area. Most are 140,000-180,000 or more miles.
08-28-2015
$54 on Amazon last I checked for the lim, the upper is like $13 or so.
Sent from A Galaxy Far Far Away
Originally Posted by The Sunfire Guy
08-29-2015
1. Go to Advance Auto's website
2. Search Lower Intake Manifold Gaskets for your car. Get the metal framed kit. Should be part number "MS 98014 T"
3. Add to cart, use discount code "TRT30" and purchase
4. LIM gasket kit with necessary RTV and some nice extra gaskets and O-rings for $55
08-29-2015
Those were O'Reilly prices.
08-29-2015
Psh who shops at Oriellys?
Sent from A Galaxy Far Far Away
Originally Posted by The Sunfire Guy
08-29-2015
I'm not getting into this debate...
08-29-2015
Unless you absolutely need the part asap you would be an idiot to buy anything there.
I just recently bought 2 knock sensors the knock sensor harness and intake gaskets from Amazon it was a total of $153, if I would have went to Oriellys it would have cost me right around $270 if they even had the knock sensors in stock.
Sent from A Galaxy Far Far Away
Last edited by Slick2500; 08-30-2015 at 11:05 AM.
Originally Posted by The Sunfire Guy
09-02-2015
4k? You can get a gtp of the same or even newer year for that much . I paid 3300 for my 2005 gtp comp g. It had 157k but it didn't have any sludge in it.It was overral a clean car.
09-03-2015
You're right, the GTPs are going for around $4,000-$5,000 around here depending on miles/condition, but generally have 150k plus on them. Then you hope they took care of the supercharger and changed the oil in it somewhat regularly. Just not something I was looking to worry about - not for a winter car. I drove one and it didn't feel like it had much "pep" to it, but then again, my perception is skewed because of what I'm used to. I already have a supercharged vehicle to get my "speed fix" :-D I appreciate all the advice and help. I ended up picking up the car. It's very clean and should check out good after the coolant flush.
09-03-2015
Mmm srt
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