Is it possible to prevent Northstar Engine Gasket Failures?

[DarkoStoj]

I have a friend that just bought a 03 Seville with low miles.

We all know the head gaskets fail on these.

Is there anything preventative to be done to get more life out of the engine before it happens?

 

[STOCK GT]

Nope

 

[ReiKo]

I have a friend that just bought a 03 Seville with low miles.

We all know the head gaskets fail on these.

Is there anything preventative to be done to get more life out of the engine before it happens?

Just keep up on coolant flushes/maintenance...

 

[TWOBEERS]

Just keep up on coolant flushes/maintenance...

That's about it. Make sure it never overheats.

 

[moneypit]

pull the heads now while the bolts will still come out and swap in better gaskets.

 

[sn95_311]

pull the heads now while the bolts will still come out and swap in better gaskets.

X2. Swap bolts with arp. Better gaskets and it should be good.

 

[chuckycaprice]

GM used to have a supplement tab that was the size of a quarter that was added to the cooling system that helped prevent leaks. Not sure if it's still available. Or you can add Bars Leaks. It's the best

 

[Tin]

GM used to have a supplement tab that was the size of a quarter that was added to the cooling system that helped prevent leaks. Not sure if it's still available. Or you can add Bars Leaks. It's the best

The Cadillac pills are still sold at the dealership. It runs $4-ish for a pack of 5. Call and ask if they have cooling system seal tablets.

 

[mustangmike6996]

GM used to have a supplement tab that was the size of a quarter that was added to the cooling system that helped prevent leaks. Not sure if it's still available. Or you can add Bars Leaks. It's the best

That sounds like the start of a bad time. Do they clog up cooling passages?

 

[Tin]

That sounds like the start of a bad time. Do they clog up cooling passages?

No. Some guys use them as a preventative measure. I've heard they are also installed at the factory, but I'm not sure if that's correct. They're made of almond shells as far as I know.

 

[1BADAIR]

i believe most ls engines get them at the factory

 

[WhiteHawk]

I know a guy who used to work at Orion Assembly when they were building Cadillacs back in the 80's and he told me that ever car got at least two of those at the factory to help seal the radiators.

-Geoff

 

[wrath]

Walnut shells. My Dad used to build those cars and yes, every car got them.