• Hey Guest!
    British Car Forum has been supporting enthusiasts for over 25 years by providing a great place to share our love for British cars. You can support our efforts by upgrading your membership for less than the dues of most car clubs. There are some perks with a member upgrade!
    **Upgrade Now**
    (PS: Upgraded members don't see this banner, nor will you see the Google ads that appear on the site.)
Tips
Tips

Moment of silence...

Share this page

sd80mac7204

sd80mac7204

Jedi Warrior
Country flag
Offline
Tuesday, October 26th, at 6:10 in the PM, my 2004 Impala suffered a minor heart attack. Preliminary efforts to revive her led to one more mile of power until a second heart attack at 7:40 in the PM. While she did have to suffer the indignity of being dragged out of traffic on a chain, she pulled herself on and off the tow truck and moved under her own power to the repair shop's dead line. A formal autopsy will be performed tomorrow to determine actual failure, but estimates are she suffered a double head gasket failure. She lived to be 9 years old with 202,000 miles under the tires and is survived by a 78 Spitfire and "Her Purpleness", a 94 Buick Century, performing temporary back up duties.

Survival chances are not great at this time.
 
So sorry for your loss.
 
May she rest in pieces.
 
Condolences. I know the value of the west PA "winter beater."
 
Viking funeral?
 
kellysguy said:
You could always try sodium silicate.
Click to expand...

Repair depends on the condition of the engine bearings and the condition of the block. If the block is etched where the gaskets seal, the engine is done.
 
sd80mac7204 said:
Repair depends on the condition of the engine bearings and the condition of the block. If the block is etched where the gaskets seal, the engine is done.
Click to expand...

It shouldn't be but put SS in it before they tear it down and see. I've seen the stuff work before.
 
Seems that the dire first analysis was a bit exagerated. Trouble codes have been pulled from the computer and read as follows:
1. Misfire on cylinder #1
2. Minor evap leak.
3. Trans late shift/high pressure

Head gasket has failed on one side and needs replaced- doing both.
Rad cap now holds no pressure- being replaced.
Fuel filler neck has a pin hole- being replaced.
Filter on trans is dirty- replace filter and flush.
Tires are not ready for snow- remove Avengers and install Glacier Grip II's.

Give me a week... We'll be back in business!
 
Might not be dead yet ...but sure is on life support
Does it have a living will?
 
We have a number of the 2004 Impala's in our department's fleet. They are currently being phased out. Many of them suffered from all kinds of electrical gremlins and some mechanical issues, too, yet they never seemed to be in such a state of disrepair that they could written off...they someone managed to keep coming back. I'm sure they'll live many more years in a second life as taxicabs.
 
The 94 Buick Century is going to continue on as back up for the Impala but it is really is so nice of shape that it could be a show car, no scratches, dings, bumps, or rust. Buddy of mine found an 06 Impala SS 5.3 that he thinks I should pick up and convert to 9C1 spec. Time will tell. I still love my car.
 
I guess somehow, my car was watching James Bond last night when it was on tv. Die Another Day was on last night. Today I got the call that there is no internal damage other than a corroded gasket. Mechanic stated that he has not seen the inside of an engine so clean when it has so many miles. I guess taking maintenance very seriously has paid off! Only note of caution so far is she has gotten some cancer in the rear that will need cleaned and painted.
 
...sigh... go figure. D### DEER! 1221131920.jpg
 
Back
Top