Auto Parts: seized engine, blown head gasket, oldsmobile intrigue

Question
Hi Mike!  I'm contemplating the possible purchase of a used Oldsmobile that's sitting at a repair shop close to me after being towed there....I've just looked thru the windows, haven't even popped the hood yet or actually opened the doors and looked inside...just beginning this contemplation process!!!  Here's what I do know for sure tho...per the tow truck driver, this '01 Oldsmobile Intrigue GL suffered a leaky/blown head gasket that caused the engine to hydro seize....ok, so here's the deal!  I don't know about these kinds of things, but I do know how to jump on potentially profitable opportunities...."hydro seizing" "gaskets", might as well be speaking chinese!  BUT, the owner is only asking $200 for this car!  Visually, it appears to be in really good shape...no body damage; no visible rust spots; interior is perfect (a lovely cream colored LEATHER!!)...so, whatcha think?  I have a car repair contact friend who's worked on Jeeps quite a bit, so labor costs will be half that of a garage....think this is a can of worms or a pretty firm good deal?  (obviously hi mileage will factor in)
THANK U!!  THANK U!!   THANK U!  ;-)

Lesley
Scottsdale, AZ


Answer
    This car came with a DOHC six cylinder known as the "Shortstar."  It is a close relative of the Northstar engine used in Cadillacs.  They are very prone to head gasket failures, and hydrolock is just one of the possible results.  Hydrolock is when enough water leaks into a cylinder  during one stroke that the piston bottoms out on the water before it reaches top dead center.  If this happens with the engine running, the engine will be pretty much destroyed.  If it happens while the engine is sitting still, and is only noticed when an attempt is made to start it, then the damage should be very slight.  How about the repair situation?  I wouldn't attempt to repair it.  Even though he's practically giving it to you, the repairs on this very costly engine would run several thousand dollars.  And you would still have to worry about it failing again.  You could replace the engine with a used unit, but they are going to be hard to find and costly.  And a used engine isn't going to be very reliable either.  It's a shame 'cause this family of engines run great when they work, but I won't be buying another one, that's for sure.