All of a sudden it started skipping really bad?

HORSESHOEMASTER

MEMBER
1999 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
3.8L
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
260,000 MILES

Ok I was leaving my house tonight and when I got bout a mile down the road I layed into it to pass a car and all of a sudden it started skipping really bad but I got turned around and headed back home and by the time I got back home it was running better but not quite right just wasn't skipping as bad. Oh and it shut off when I went to turn around. I checked the oil when I got it back home and I have water in my oil. But it blew oil out the tail pipe rigjt when I got on it. Not a hole lot but some the oil light came on it wasnt knocking or nothin do you think that maybe itd just a head gasket?

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

When you are mentioning that the car started to skip, did the transmission slip and wont go into another gear or did the engine loose power?

Does the engine run rough when idling?

Also during this even did the check engine light come on? The engine light can be triggered if the issue is due to on of the sensors or modules.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Getting coolant in the oil is a sign of blown head gasket. When this happens the engine will produce white smoke out of the tailpipe. And the oil will be milky color.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/white-smoke-or-steam-coming-from-the-exhaust-pipe

Also did the engine overheat during this time?
Usually blown head gasket will have the engine overheat.

I have included the replacement procedure for the head gasket.

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.

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