I have a 2003 DII w/ 118,000 approx.
2 weeks ago on start-up, I had what I would describe as a misfire. Without hesitation, I re-tried and it started normally. Drove about 1/4 mile and noticed the temp gauge bottomed out and red warning light on. Immediately went home and checked coolant, virtually none. Haven't driven it since.
I have read a bazillion previous posts and checked a few things that seemed obvious at first.
I have filled it with water not antifreeze (hopefully this doesn't matter at this point, $13/gallon!), borrowed a pressure testing kit and it loses all pressure in about 7 minutes. I ran the engine at idle for a few minutes and lost coolant. No water in oil, not dripping anywhere, and no measurable amount in exhaust.
I am desparately trying to avoid taking to any shops for a myriad of reasons. Does anyone have any advice? If this is common to blown head gaskets I just want to do it and get it over with. Thanks

 

Very common! Sounds like a headgasket failure for sure.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7duP4d9ZziY

 

Thanks, I think. I don't know what I was hoping for. It seemed inevitable.

 

At least once its fixed and fixed right you wont have to worry about it again. maybe.

 

doea anyone know what parts are needed for a head gasket job?