Chevrolet Repair: Silverado head gasket repair, head gasket repair, chevy silverado 4x4

Question
I own a 2001 Chevy silverado 4x4 with the 5.3 vortec motor (275 HP)with about 75,000 miles and I have had it for 3 years.  I havent had any problems with it until now.  A couple of weeks ago my low coolant light came on.  I added about 1/2 gallon, and really thought nothing of it.  A week later it was thirsty for the same.  I took it it and they tell me that the head gasket on the far side is shot and that they recomend replacing both....$1800.  This is a well taken care of truck with regular maintenance performed, The truck had no performance issues, nothing in the oil, and gave me no indication there was a problem until the low coolant light came on.  I cant believe that with only 75,000 miles this is happening. What would cause this, is it common, do both need to be replaced, its out of warranty, will chevy do anything if so who do I contact?

Im just sick!  Any information you have would be great.

Andy Burnham
Bloomington, IL

Answer
If you are not the original owner and did not purchase it NEW, You have no idea of how the vehicle was taken care of.

If you ARE the original owner and did by it NEW this head gasket problem is not very common at this mileage.

If in fact there is a head gasket problem, YES, BOTH head gaskets MUST be replaced.

CAUSE could be anything from a broken or loose head bolt(s) or a simple head gasket failure between the coolant chamber(s) and the combustion chamber(s) and the anti-freeze is being burned out thru the exhaust of which will not show any signs of anti-freeze in the engine oil.

I would get a SECOND opinion and NOT tell the second facility that you have already had a FIRST opinion before spending this amount of money.


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