Is it better to get a new motor if you have a blown [head...


Is it better to get a new motor if you have a blown [head gasket](/topics-head-gasket-chevy/) on a 2008 chevy impala 3.5 liter Mechanic's Assistant: Is this your first time dealing with this issue? What size is your [engin...

Is it better to get a new motor if you have a blown [head gasket](/topics-head-gasket-chevy/) on a 2008 chevy impala 3.5 liter Mechanic's Assistant: Is this your first time dealing with this issue? What size is your [engine](/topics-engine-chevy/)? 3.5 liter Mechanic's Assistant: Are you fixing your Impala yourself? What have you tried so far? I'm ordering a new motor for it that has 77,000 miles on it and having my old motor removed. Wouldn't that be the best thing to do? Mechanic's Assistant: Anything else you want the Mechanic to know before I connect you? I bought a gasket sealer solution and unfortunately haven't had the engine flushed with the oil and water mixed and looking milky

Automotive Expert
Hi! Welcome to JustAnswer. Thank you for contacting us for assistance with your vehicle. I'm Ron. I will be happy to assist you with your question. May I ask to whom I have the pleasure of speaking with today?

Damian
Automotive Expert
Good morning Damian. Nice to see you today! I'm sorry to hear you are having this problem. I know this can be frustrating. How many miles do you have on the engine with the bad head gaskets and how long has it been ran with the oil and the coolant mixed?

127,000 miles and it probably has been driven with that issue for about three weeks without me knowing it
Automotive Expert
Thank you for the clarification, Please give me one moment to type out some information for you. Sit tight one minute. I'll be right back! Thank you for holding Damian, With the number of miles you have on the engine and having run it with coolant and oil mixing for that long then yes, you would be best served here to just replace the engine. Running the engine with oil and coolant mixing can and will cause damage to the engine bearings as well as doing a head repair or replacement on a high miles engine will usually result in an oil consumption problem after the fact to due to the added compression on a high milage lower end due to worn piston rings.

Ok I just wanted to make sure that I am making the right decision. The car ran like a champ. I figured getting a used motor with only 77,000 miles on it works give it a new life
Automotive Expert
I would agree with this discision as well. Too many miles on the old engine and trying to repair it would likely lead to a wasted expensive repair.

It ran hot on me about a few months ago and I replaced the [water pump](/topics-water-pump/). Probably damaged it by then. Especially since chevys have alluminum engines
Automotive Expert
You are correct, it does not take much to damage this engine, and overheating is usually the worst.

had I been aware of that I would've gotten it towed and not driven it to get it back home over 20 miles of driving and pulling over on the side of the road to cool it offin your opinion what are the things that I would need to do moving forward to keep this car for a long time. As far as maintaining it maintenance wise?
Automotive Expert
The main thing and most important is having regular oil changes done and regular inspections when doing so.

I wouldn't think that 127,000 miles isn't bad mileage for a car that oldInspection wise what do you mean exactlyThanks for your professional advice I'm definitely not a mechanic lol...
Automotive Expert
It's not that bad of miles at all, if it had not have overheated on you, it would have usually lasted many more miles. That why regular inspection are very important. Normally when you have regular oil changes, the shop looks the car over from top to bottom just looking for any potential problems. The look at the breaks, all fluid levels, and conditions as well as all belt and hoses and there condiation.

Got you, I will definitely keep those things in mind...
Automotive Expert
Thank you Damian! Glad I could be of some help today! I hope everything works out well for you! If there are any additional questions on this issue that should arise, please feel free to reply and ask! Have a great day

Condiation?
Automotive Expert
The word was supposed to be there condition. sorry for the typo.

Lol

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