oil leak/coolant leak? HELP!!!

[vtjkychan]

Hi guys,

Got a problem going on with my 00 GT AT. 103K miles
My coolant is showing that it's low on coolant, ironically, it's at the same level as when I got the car in recent April. I filled it up after purchase and it's been fine until 2 days ago I realized that it's down.

Brought it to an autoshop, a mechanic said I might have an oil leak and that my head gasket might be bad... I was like, oil???:confused: Isn't it the coolant leaking. I've checked the oil level before hand, it's at the right level. (just for confirmation, I should be using 5 quarts right? At least that's how much I dripped out from the oil change) He also asked if I see some white smoke coming out of my car sometimes, I said YES. And he concluded that my coolant somehow blending in with the oil somehow and leak out into that oil leaking spot. So anyways, the guy suggested I go to the dealership and ask about my warranty and see if my car had a recall, cuz my gasket shouldn't be this bad.

Then I asked how much would it cost to replace the head gasket and labor cost... He said $800. I went online and found my head gasket being sell for 50 bucks. Now... am I being rip off?:confused:

So what would you guys say, what's really going on with my car?
IF my head gasket needs to be replace how much might it be?
School is about to start for me, so I really need to get this issue ova fast before all hell break loose...:(

thanks in advance,

[Blue Bomber]

If your coolant or oil look a bit milky, then the head gasket is blown from the coolant into the oil. If you're blowing excessive white smoke (some in the morning is OK), then the gasket is blown from the coolant into the combustion chamber. $800 isn't a bad price for a head gasket change. It's all labor, and there's lots of stuff to do. Go get a leakdown test done.

[vtjkychan]

hm, I'll check on the oil and coolant again to see if it's like what you said.
Usually, any car would have lil smoke in the morning, same to mine. I've not ever seen it releasing any white smoke on daily drive. Phew...

wow, so it is really gonna cost 800 T____T sniff only if I was more selfish this Christmas, that number wouldn't be a problem T____T

Thank you so much for your valuable reply! I'll get a leakdown test asap =)

[slidr]

Also, check for obvious signs of leakage (spots or puddles on the floor, wet coolant hoses, etc.) and make sure that the coolant is properly mixed.

You can go to a car parts store and buy this little coolant tester that looks like an eye dropper with balls in it that tests the consistency of the coolant. Costs a few bucks.

[6speedGTS]

Heater core may have a small leak, you might have a sweet smell just after you turn on the fan on. Once in a while I have smelled it comming out of my car form the exhaust first thing in the morning. But the question is the amount lost justifies the repair at this time. I my have toped mine off once a year and my oil has no indication of contamination. So I just keep an eye one for now.

[Sty09]

if its the head gasket and antifreeze leaked into the oil, your engine will be RIP sooner than later