(I know I did this in the wrong order, but...) So after taking off the driver's side head, I went to drain the oil, and about two gallons of coolant came spurting out, followed by a relatively normal amount of oil. When I first had any indications of HG failure, I did check the oil and it did not appear cloudy/milky. I only drove the car for maybe 5 miles total with any indications of problems (slightly elevated engine temps initially). That's even a high estimate.
Even so, now that I know there was coolant in the oil, what are the necessary steps I need to take? I'm on a tight schedule and budget. I was hoping that it was just a coolant-cylinder leak and that I'd just have to do the gaskets and associated pieces. Now I'm worried that without doing the bottom end (especially given the 210K miles) that the rest would be worthless. How hard is it to get to the bottom end of the engine? Is it possible without taking it out of the car? (For a non-contortionist)
Even so, now that I know there was coolant in the oil, what are the necessary steps I need to take? I'm on a tight schedule and budget. I was hoping that it was just a coolant-cylinder leak and that I'd just have to do the gaskets and associated pieces. Now I'm worried that without doing the bottom end (especially given the 210K miles) that the rest would be worthless. How hard is it to get to the bottom end of the engine? Is it possible without taking it out of the car? (For a non-contortionist)