oil coolant mixed new engine?

[Toddscarpenter]

I have a 1.8L engine, 2003 Sentra. Over the course of a year the engine began to run rough during cold starts but smoothed out over time. Gradually loosing coolant and I know that the head gasket is slowly going. Several days ago I parked the car (it ran great all day) and the next morning the car would not start. Curious, I take the radiator cap off and coolant under pressure goes everywhere! The coolant is cold. I have had the car towed to the service care center for head gasket repair, and they advised me to get a new engine because the coolant has invaded everything internally within the entire engine. Does this make sense that one should replace the engine because of my description above? Thanks for your time

[frapjap]

Welcome to NICO!
There are a lot of reasons an engine may not start, but lets establish a starting point.
Have you drained the oil to see what it looks like yourself? If you've got chocolate milk shake, its a sure sign that the head gasket has failed. Depending on the amount of time, the bearings in the engine could be shot and be ready to seize, too. Alternatively, there could be enough coolant in the cylinders to inhibit compression (ie, turning the engine over).

Get a look at the oil asap and report back!

[Toddscarpenter]

Just an update, replaced the engine and all is good.

[frapjap]

Thanks for the conclusion!

Did you end up seeing the tear down of the old engine?

[Toddscarpenter]

Nope, just hoped that they were straight with me. I did call around to other shops and a dealer, and they felt that it wasn't a bad call. Funny thing, I just got a engine code for the purge valve. Can you clean those and put them back on? Hate to spend my weekend under the rear of the car and running to the parts store. Trouble code came on after the car had a hard start after filling the tank. Engine runs great however.

[frapjap]

What was the alphanumerical code?

More than likely it can be cleaned, but we can give you more helpful info if you've got the code handy. Did the shop warranty their work? Maybe they'll take a look and save you time and money?

[Toddscarpenter]

Ran it last night, but can't remember, but it related to the purge valve. I think it was P0441.

[frapjap]

Usually that evap code is for something simple like a loose gas cap.
Clear it and see if it comes back at a later date.

[Toddscarpenter]

I've heard of that. Will check it out. Will let folks know what happens after the next fill.

[Toddscarpenter]

Code is P1444

[frapjap]

I'm not all too familiar with that one, but this thread can give you some ideas.
p1444-code-and-poor-man-fix-t441648.html

[Toddscarpenter]

Thanks, I'll play with the purge valve this weekend and fill the car up on Monday morning and see what happens. Will make sure the gas cap is on right

[Toddscarpenter]

Just an update, removed the purge valve, blew it out with the air compressor, applied 12 volt and closed the valve a couple of times, blew it out again and reinstalled. Have filled the tank three times, and the engine starts right up every time. No service engine light, so far so good.

[frapjap]

Fantastic!!

Thanks for reporting back with your solution. Hope it keeps working out!

[Toddscarpenter]

Yea, feels good to concur!