2001 Buick Century - Sludge/won't start

I came across this thread written by guitarfish, and it sounds just like the problem we have.

"1) Slimey "milkshake" on oil cap. Cleaned & dried it 4 days ago. 100 miles later, it's all slimey again.
2) Rad cap also has slimey gunk on it.
3) Coolant recovery tank is CRUDDY. The walls are all darkened with what I'd assume is oil residue."

We have a 2001 Buick Century, that until tonight, ran pretty good. We go to get in the car, and the lights won't come on. The engine won't even turn. Nothing is happening. I press the brake, and the interior lights come on, yet the power locks refuse to engage. The engine still won't turn.

We popped the hood to discover that the coolant reservoir is dry but for an inch of smelly, horrible sludge on the bottom. Removing the radiator cap we find the inside has the same built up crud inside. I have no idea what is happening here. What I do know is that I don't have a fortune to spend on having someone fix it. I am sure we can fix it ourselves if someone can just tell me what the heck's going on.

Anyone have any ideas about this?

Welcome to AF :wave:

It would unfortunately sound as if you have a head gasket problem causing the sludge. If you have a fairly decent tool collection, you can do the do the majority of the work yourself, in a weekend provdided your ability. Your standard over the counter Haynes or Chilton's manual can aide you through the step by step. I'd highly recommend reading through it before attempting to make sure you know what you're getting into.

You'll need also need to take into accout taking the heads to a amchine shop to check and correct any warpage.

We have a 2001 Buick Century, that until tonight, ran pretty good. We go to get in the car, and the lights won't come on. The engine won't even turn. Nothing is happening. I press the brake, and the interior lights come on, yet the power locks refuse to engage. The engine still won't turn.

We popped the hood to discover that the coolant reservoir is dry but for an inch of smelly, horrible sludge on the bottom. Removing the radiator cap we find the inside has the same built up crud inside. I have no idea what is happening here. What I do know is that I don't have a fortune to spend on having someone fix it. I am sure we can fix it ourselves if someone can just tell me what the heck's going on.

Anyone have any ideas about this?


I'm curious is the engine not turning over to a hydro-lock or a battery/alternator charging system problem?

The Dexcool sludge seen in the reservoir is normal due to exposure to air. The reservoir is not sealed. Also, the Dexcool becomes worthless after about 5 years and the end result is a sludge appearance. So the cooling system should be flushed and the coolant replaced. Reservoir cleaned out.

Condensation may be seen in the winter months due to short driving distances or insufficient engine warmup. Pull the dipstick and inspect the motor oil.

The 3100 SFI engines are suspectible to lower intake manifold gasket problems and when not resolved can lead to a blown headgasket. GM introduced new improved LIM gaskets back in 2002 and revised the LIM bolt torque figures.

I kinda ruled out the Dexcool situation due to the explaination of the oil filler cap and the overflow being dry :dunno:

Good point hto, pull the carnkcase stick and if the same milkshake that would confirm the heads.