Oldsmobile/Buick Repair: 2000 century, head gaskets, ford garage

Question
I'm a tech at a Ford garage and have an idea as to what is going on, just wanted to make sure.  Friend of mine has 2000 Century.  Oil dipstick covered the bottom 3-4 inches with "mud" colored "oil."  Its a 3.1 liter and everyone knows the intake gaskets go, but not sure of head gaskets on these.   I have only done visual diag in the street in the dark with flashlight, but this tells me head gaskets.  He told me there were only 16K on it, but after I looked at the odometer there are 162!  Is it worth messing with? He has no money to very little money.  Thanks.  Jeremy

Answer
Hi Jeremy...
If the intakes have NOT been done, I would HIGHLY suspect those as your MAIN problem.
You could/can check the heads/gaskets with block tester.
At 162k, on an 2000 model, thats 20k a year... man. I would say if he is strapped for $$$, as we all are, lol, I would recommend the intakes, provided the block test is good.
If the block test is bad, I would suggest a bone yard engine... and replaced intakes on that.
I feel it's worth messing with, depending on the overall condition of car...and his need for it.
Heads or head gaskets I guess I've seen about 1 in 50 of intake jobs I do. And those have usually been run bone dry.
I got one right now at shop, JUST talked customer into a boneyard engine friday late. Labor is 12 hours, but cost of entire engine was less that parts needed. (if heads were required)..he did not want to risk it.
At least engine has a 90 day warranty.
I hope this all helps....
Good Luck to your friend...
Good luck to you turnin' wrenches...
Let me know if any thing else is needed.

Pawl