Buying this tomorrow... 2004 GXP

[jayn]

1G2HZ54Y54U234773

Looked at this '04 GXP today.

Had the CarFax and all of the repairs from the beginning of time. 1 family owner car.

Some interior wear (smoker) and some cancer around the gas filler.

Will post more pix when it gets here.

[jayn]

Here is a photo:

[jayn]

This is a mistake.

[jayn]

This is the Best part!! Head gaskets done in August... 4,000 miles ago. Can you tell the quality of the job from the parts list

Thanks!

[96 SSEi]

you can tell the quality of parts installed but only time or a tear-down will reveal the quality of the install.

post the parts list if you like...

[CMNTMXR57]

Yea, no pics or parts list do I see.

You say the head gaskets were replaced, but was it properly re-studded (which is the reason the head gaskets go..).

[jayn]

So, my photos do not show up? They do for me, on previews and posts.

I will try another service later on.

The repair was done at a Cadillac dealership, so I hope it was well done.

Thanks,

[jayn]

Trying Photobucket.


I don't see head bolts or studs... they are one time use, yes?

[CMNTMXR57]

That second picture from photobucket showed up.

Things that were replaced

- Both head gaskets (which is good as most just do whatever side is affected)
- Replaced an o-ring on high pressure port for A/C
- A/C completely "re-charged"
- A cradle mount bolt replaced as it was seized when trying to drop it to do the head gasket repair
- Fresh cooling system flush and fill
- Oil was changed
- Power steering leak was addressed (not sure if a hose was replaced, tightened, whatever because the second page isn't there)

However in all that, the studs were NOT replaced. That would be mentioned because that is a whole different process (and you would see qty: 20 for studs). The heads and block deck were within within spec which is great, but the problem that leads to the head gasket failure was NOT addressed, and would be prone to it again should you start seeing coolant loss, smoke, etc...

As long as the original studs are not removed from the block, I think that they can be reused. When they remove the heads, they're just removing the nut/retainers that hold them to the studs and slide the heads up and over them to get them off. Those aren't the TTY section if I recall. I could be wrong though (rarely is that the case though... )

The issue is, the studs, on the block side use a fine thread, that tears out of the block once torqued to yield and then age/corrosion, etc settles in. The replacement studs from suregrip (for example), use larger diameter, coarse threaded stud that goes into the block side (after tapping out and threading the block appropriately). The shank of the studs are then tapered down for the heads to slide over, and then you can tighten the nuts/retainers to spec.

I would be worried about the OEM studs IN the block.

[ddalder]

Absolutely! If the head gaskets already had to be replaced, my guess is that it's just a matter of time (perhaps a very short time) before this happens all over again.

[jayn]

This is what I was afraid of. I did not think I saw studs on the parts list...

Thank you both for your help. I really feel sorry for the current owner of the car, who paid $4200 for this to be done in August.

I was going to buy the car for $3500.

It is a one owner with 101,000, tons of maintenance history... But a head gasket issue is something I do not want to deal with. That plus the Gas Filler rust, curbed wheels, and a cigarette burn in the seat makes this car a pass.

There will be another.

[CMNTMXR57]

My guess is, he had the "issue" happen, and tried to save a little money, got what needed fixed, fixed, and figured he'd "turn" it. I'm actually shocked he put, what nearly 4k on it since...

Yea, you'd see either a quantity of 20 studs, or a "tempsert" kit (what GM "authorizes" as a suitable non-OEM replacement). Even still, the Tempsert kit still isn't the best solution.

[RJolly87]

Makes me wonder if it is actually in the process of packing up all over again.

[CMNTMXR57]

A high probability...

[VIN_H_For_Hotness]

My guess is, he had the "issue" happen, and tried to save a little money, got what needed fixed, fixed, and figured he'd "turn" it. I'm actually shocked he put, what nearly 4k on it since...

Yea, you'd see either a quantity of 20 studs, or a "tempsert" kit (what GM "authorizes" as a suitable non-OEM replacement). Even still, the Tempsert kit still isn't the best solution.

It is also possible he's unaware of the Northstar's flaw in this area.

He may have had the engine diagnosed,mechanic says "bad head gasket" and then decided to fix it as one would any other car: which in all fairness would be the end of the issue on any other car.

[CMNTMXR57]

But the work was done at a GM (Cadillac) dealership.

[jim9706]

I am thinking about selling my 04 GXP with 22,000 miles. I am the sole owner and have taken good care of the car. It mostly sits in the garage here in California. I see these cars selling for 5-6K but I think the low miles should account for a higher price. Any suggestions on a price point?

[CMNTMXR57]

I would take the average of KBB.com, NADAGuides.com and Edmunds.com based on your mileage, zip code, options, condition, etc... The reason I say average, is because one is pessimistic, one is optimistic, and one is average. Put the three together and you have a good window.

I wouldn't say anything more than $10k, but you're probably in a good $8k window. Low mileage is nice when talking about collectibles or other special vehicles, something the Bonneville isn't. It's a nice car, don't get me wrong, but low mileage can open up another can of problems from aging an not used if you follow what I mean.