What do you think the odds are it's salvagable?

[ck80]

The inlaws were filling me in on a car they've got and need help getting rid of.

It's a 2003 grand prix gt, series 2 supercharged, hud works, power heated leather, etc.

The bad news: their son in law was driving it, it had that core failure where some anti freeze and trans oil mixed.

From what I understand, runs fine, trans works but has started to slip some.

It's not been parked about 10 months.

Best case would've been new radiator, and flush and fill all fluids plus new trans filter as soon as after it happened. (Even better is the dummy didn't keep driving it after the failure.

Now, almost a year later, do you think it's salvagable? I'd think the antifreeze/water would separate out and sit in the bottom of the pan, not inside the trans after this time. It's got bumps and bruises (their daughter doesn't give a ______ about someone else's car so... yep. They're looking for help in trying to dispose, and I'm wondering if $150 in parts and fluids and turn this into a 1200 beater or first car for some kid that won't conk out a month later.

 

[CaliWagon83]

Who knows? I’d say if you go in with low expectations, and you’re able to get it to start and run reliably for a few thousand miles, you’ve come out ahead. Personally, I’d drain all the fluids, and maybe get an oil/coolant analysis so you have a better idea of what you’re dealing with.

 

[383_GrandPrix]

I'd take a chance on it. I would start with a new radiator, full fluid flush, new trans filter, then fill the trans with some Lucas trans fix and new ATF see how she runs. Worst case scenario, it needs a new trans, can't be that expensive to get one through a wrecker.

 

[64nailhead]

If free or scrap value ($200), then I'd give it a whack. Other than that, get the $200 from the local pick n pull. You mentioned that you know it's been abused, don't expect a diamond in the rough when you already know it's been not taken care of properly. I'd bet you lunch on that what you've been told about it is the tip of the iceberg.

 

[TURNA]

Dexcool strikes again!!!

I think GM purposely used this stuff so the cars would NOT last!

 

[joesregalproject]

Dexcool strikes again!!!

I think GM purposely used this stuff so the cars would NOT last!

That reminds me, my grandfather's '06 LaCrosse I bought for him last year came with Dexkill in it. I better flush it and replace it before catastrophe strikes.

 

[DRIVEN]

It's worth a shot but I wouldn't be hopeful that the transmission will survive. A used replacement won't be expensive but paying someone to replace it might be. Not a fun job to do in a driveway on jack stands.

 

[pontiacgp]

here is a good article on it....sounds like it may be recoverable.

https://itstillruns.com/antifreeze-gets-automatic-transmission-fluid-12228013.html

 

[ck80]

If free or scrap value ($200), then I'd give it a whack. Other than that, get the $200 from the local pick n pull. You mentioned that you know it's been abused, don't expect a diamond in the rough when you already know it's been not taken care of properly. I'd bet you lunch on that what you've been told about it is the tip of the iceberg.

It's not even something I'd get anything out of. They know I used to mess with cars before the accidents, and really, they're asking if I have any ideas on the best way to get something out of it. They've also since called their small town mechanic who quoted around $3K based on replacing radiator, trans, converter, fluid flush/fill, labor, etc to fix it right and know that it's fixed. Was their second car, but, their kids "borrowed" it basically for a couple years altogether.

I also know one of their other daughters moved back home, husband and 2 kids in tow, contributing nothing to the increased household expenses even though both work. (Freeloaders)

I do know moneys tight (see above) so if i can get it working and they can sell it as a cheap first car for more than just scrap(with disclosure about that possible trans issue in the distance) id like to and help them out.

Dexcool strikes again!!!

I think GM purposely used this stuff so the cars would NOT last!

Agreed 100x over.

here is a good article on it....sounds like it may be recoverable.

https://itstillruns.com/antifreeze-gets-automatic-transmission-fluid-12228013.html

Thaaats.... about what I expected/was thinking.

I don't think anyone who's willing to say really knows how much driving it saw with the mixed fluid. If I had to guess, I'd bet at least 50 highway miles

 

[Rob-Legacy1]

The transmission will be shot if the coolant has been in the trans more than a day or so , it causes the clutches to delaminate from the steel backing . Sorry to give you the bad news. Good luck though