Well, it'* been a few years since I've posted (last time was strange computer behavior fixed with new unit). I've since replaced all of the brake lines, have been very happy until this evening.

This morning after a 15 mile drive to work the car started acting funny just before I turned into the parking lot. It was kind of stumbling and losing power. Once I was parked I reved the engine, got out and looked at the exhaust and all was normal. I turned it off and went into work.

This evening the starter is engaging, but the belt will not turn (I marked it to see if it was). It is just thumping when I try to start it like it wants to turn, but there is resistance. The car does move in neutral, but the crank will not move.

My thought is that the head gasket must have blown and one or more of the cylinders has coolant in them. I won't know until lunch tomorrow when I can pop the spark plugs. Is there anything else you folks think I should look at while in the parking lot? I own all of my own auto repair tools, have fixed every car I own, but I just went through three lower back surgeries and am slow to heal up and want to do the right thing the fist time - yeh, don't we all wish. The car will be towed home tomorrow. I was going to replace the head gasket this summer but I just couldn't spend the time yet bending over the engine compartment. It looks like I have no choice now, and I'm aware & have read of the head gasket repair procedure on this forum as I read it while I was down.

Thanks in advance for everyones help.

Michael

Pull the plugs, sounds like you might by hydrolocked. Chances are the head gaskets are just fine. Remove the throttle body and look in by the EGR hole, do you see coolant? If so, the UIM failed, this tends to happen around the EGR tube because it gets hot and the plastic fails.

yep, from what you describe I'll bet good money that your upper intake failed.

Ditto!

Well, some good news. I pulled the front three plugs and I had coolant running out of the teo drivers side plugs. I was able to rotate the engine by hand using the alternator pulley. Si I was reading the directions & recommendations for kits & parts, does anyone have a favorite in regards to best bang for the buck? Also, who has the best shipping time or should I try the local parts stores? I'll have the top off tonight so I'll have the part failures identified, but I'm sure the UIM is the problem.

Thanks for all of the help & support. It'* great to talk to folks who have been through this and have actually developed meticulous procedures for getting things turned around quickly. I've belonged to forums for every car I've owned. Why re-invent the wheel?

Thanks again!

Michael

felpro makes a good UIM as well as GM. GM will definately have the redesigned one felpro you have a 50/50 shot everywhere is about the same price (dealer will be about $2-$3 more)

I got one off e-bay, new, a lot of them were advertised there.Looked just like GM ( no upgrade ), gasket included,been on the car for 9 months no problems. Be sure to check torque specs. when bolting on.

Hope you got a good price. Let us know how it goes. If you have any questions, just ask.

I seen this one on ebay for $139.90 w/free shipping "New & Redesigned Dorman UIM" from Parts Pros.

Gaskets are all pre-installed. Is this what I'm looking for?

Their plug is:

Increased EGR wall thickness to resist corrosion
Reinforced structure to withstand an engine backfire
New plastic & silicone gasket already installed (a $35 value)
This updated intake has been redesigned to eliminate the OEM weak area that caused your intake to fail. The OEM manifolds fail due to extremely hot gases from the EGR tube which corrode the plastic area around the coolant passage. This causes a coolant leak into the engine and symptoms similar to that of a bad head gasket. Only this redesigned Dorman brand intake can permanently solve this problem. Beware the cheaper imitation manifolds that can not compete with this updated Dorman redesign.

Let me know what you think as mine was junk.

Thanks guys!

Rockauto with discount code for the Dorman kit usually runs about $85. Those kits include nearly everything you'll ever need.

I'd suggest picking up the LIM gaskets (from a dealer) while you are there and changing those. Reason you want this particular gasket from a dealer is the newest design (aluminum frame) hasn't been picked up by any of the aftermarket companies.