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My son wants to buy a 2005 jeep Larado with 110000 miles. The car is in good shape but I heard a slight tick so I checked the oil it was a little low so I opened the fill tube guess what peanut butter. The owner showed me receipts she had the oil changed in May close to 3000 miles ago the mechanic used 15-40 which I thought was weird and she swares nothing was said about why the heavy weight oil was used or that anything was wrong at that time. In June all wheel sensors were replaced. My Question is I know it needs head gaskets but can the antifreeze do damage to the lower end of the motor. I guess what I am asking is should I replace the motor or just try the heads if I can get the car for a couple grand.
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I would not touch it because it might not just be a head gasket because you said they used a very heavy weight they may covering up rod bearing noise or lifters would be the most likely you just dont know what you might fine the only way I would buy it is if it was very cheap hope this help good luck to you and your son have a great day.
Yes, the lower end can be damaged due to engine oil dilution. I would also suspect the seller knows far more than they’re letting on and the mechanic may have gone to a heavier oil (with their knowledge) as somewhat of a stop gap, hope and pray measure.
The only way this is feasible is if the price on the Jeep is cheap because you need to figure an engine replacement in there; just in case.
I’ve worked for car dealers who took in trades that they thought were nice but turned out to have major problems. People would change the oil to a heavy oil (or add STP oil treatment) to quieten down a noisy engine before trading it in. The dealer would send it back to service for maintenance before putting it on the lot for sale and with “normal” oil in it the engine would knock loudly.
First thing coolant in the oil does is start damaging the bearings, a short time like that probably won’t hurt much but extended running over time will do some damage, likely already has, hence the heavy oil to cover up low pressure from worn bearings.
Like the other guys said, I’d walk unless it’s dirt cheap.
If I was car shopping and I came across something like this, I’d run in the general direction of away.
No matter how cheaply you might be able to get this truck, it will never be a bargain. Lord knows what other issues might be brewing under the surface. Definitely a “can of worms” scenario.
The truck needs head gaskets (at least that) and the seller wants a couple grand?
Look, it likely needs serious engine repairs and yes when the oil is in that shape, it definitely can cause lower engine damage.
If he REALLY wants this truck, offer $500 for the thing cause that is about all a car or truck is even worth if it needs big time engine or transmission repairs.
Even if the rest of a vehicle is A-1, A bad engine or trans drives down the value considerably. It would be like buying a mansion but then learning the foundation is about to cave in. All that glitters is not gold.
Also look into what it will cost when you replace the engine.You could replace just the head gaskets along with the other upper gaskets (which will have to come off during teardown anyways) and hope for the best. That is if you are planning on doing the work at home. A shop probably wouldn’t do JUST the head gaskets.
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