I have a 1989 GTA Trans Am 305. I don't know the mileage, as it quit working years ago, when my mom had the car. I recently started seeing black/blue exhaust when starting the car. I took it to Georges Complete Auto, who've I gone to for years. (Poor guys!) They found the valve seals needed to be replaced. I've asked them to check the head gasket, as best they can. Would that be something I should do considering the age of the car?

 

Your shop can probably perform a cylinder leak-down test along with a compression test, but such things are usually only done to track down a specific problem rather than as routine maintenance. If new valve seals fix the problem (and based solely on the limited info you've provided, it sounds like it will), there's no reason to look further at this time.

 

Not really. They aren't known for failing.

Is it using coolant? Do you have coolant mixed with your oil? If the answer is no then why do you suspect a head gasket?

Coolant loss is usually hoses, water pump/gaskets, intake manifold gaskets, or possibly the head bolt threads need resealed. The head gasket is usually way down the list. I've never personally been able to blow a SBC head gasket that was properly installed. I guess if you just drove it with no cooling system you would eventually nuke it - hard to say what would let go first in that scenario.

GD

 

Thank-you for the reply. I like getting opinions from other experts.