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Blown head gasket?


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grampyjimbo12
New User

Dec 22, 2012, 2:07 AM

Post #1 of 7 (3206 views)
post icon Blown head gasket? Sign In

Crazy I am a bit confused, i have an 04 Saturn ion2 with a 2.2 Liter Dohc engine. It has a blown head gasket, i have been told that there is an O-ring somewhere in the engine that will also make it act like a blown head gasket? Is this true? The car has approx. 173k mi.
If this is true where would this O-ring(s) be located?


(This post was edited by grampyjimbo12 on Dec 22, 2012, 2:16 AM)


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Dec 22, 2012, 4:02 AM

Post #2 of 7 (3175 views)
Re: Blown head gasket? Sign In

Well, I guess that depends on what you mean by "act like a blown head gasket". What symptoms are you describing?



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



grampyjimbo12
New User

Dec 22, 2012, 4:29 AM

Post #3 of 7 (3166 views)
Re: Blown head gasket? Sign In

Water in the oil, and steam out of the exhaust. I already have the head off ( Not warped even!) but i have heard people say " oh, yeah it's just a 20 cent o-ring" any validity to this claim?


Hammer Time
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Hammer Time profile image

Dec 22, 2012, 4:45 AM

Post #4 of 7 (3160 views)
Re: Blown head gasket? Sign In

No, not really. Did you send this head to a machine shop? These Saturn heads are pretty prone to cracks. What you are describing are really 2 different issues. A breach between an oil port and coolant wouldn't necessarily cause steam in the exhaust and vise-versa. They also have issues with leaking engine oil coolers but again, no steam in the exhaust. Something is not adding up here.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



grampyjimbo12
New User

Dec 22, 2012, 5:09 AM

Post #5 of 7 (3151 views)
Re: Blown head gasket? Sign In

Will send to machine shop next week. I will ask them to check for cracks. I noticed a spot on the #4 cylinder wher it looks as if the head gasket was broken but, did'nt think about a cracked head 'till you mentioned it.


Discretesignals
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Dec 22, 2012, 8:35 AM

Post #6 of 7 (3125 views)
Re: Blown head gasket? Sign In

File in Section: 06 - Engine/Propulsion System

Bulletin No.: 03-06-123-001

Issue Date: November, 2003

TECHNICAL INFORMATION BULLETIN

Subject:
Slight Loss of Coolant or Low Coolant Light Coming On with No Signs of External Leaks (Perform Service Procedure in this Bulletin)

Models Affected:

2003-2004 Saturn VUE and ION
2004 L300 Vehicles
with 2.2L Engine (VINs D, F - RPO L61)

Attention:
Parts Manager and Technician

Condition:

Some customers may comment that the low coolant light is coming on and/or the coolant level is low with no external leaks visible. Low coolant may be accompanied by one of the following when the engine is cold:

^ engine being difficult to start

^ engine misfire for several seconds

^ white smoke or coolant odor from the tailpipe

Cause:

This condition may be caused by porosity in the aluminum of the cylinder head casting.

Correction:

Follow service procedure in this bulletin.

Service Procedure:

Diagnostic Checks

1. Verify low coolant level.

2. Inspect all coolant hoses and connections for coolant leaks.

^ If leaks are found, replace hoses and/or tighten clamps as necessary and return vehicle to the customer.

^ If no leaks are found, check engine oil for signs of coolant contamination. Add black light dye (SA9176NE) to the cooling system and start engine. Run engine until it is at normal operating temperature 180°F (82°C) to allow the dye to circulate through the system.

3. Pressurize cooling system to 25 psi (172 kpa) and monitor gauge for pressure loss during remaining inspections.

^ Inspect complete cooling system hoses and connections for visual signs of external leaks using the black light (J42220).

^ Remove spark plugs and inspect threads for wetness from coolant and check with black light (J42220).

^ Using a flashlight, inspect combustion chambers for any sign of wetness from coolant.

4. If no pressure loss and no signs of internal or external leaks, return vehicle to customer.

5. If pressure gauge shows loss of pressure and there is evidence of external leakage from hoses or other external cooling system components, correct the leak using the appropriate service manual procedures.

^ If coolant is present on any spark plug thread or visible in a combustion chamber, replace the cylinder head. (Refer to the "Cylinder Head Replacement" procedures in the appropriate 2.2 (L61) Engine Mechanical Service Manual for the vehicle being repaired.)

^ If pressure gauge shows loss of pressure and no external leaks, remove cylinder head and inspect cylinder liner height to block deck surface for flushness.

- If a cylinder liner is not flush with the block (lower than block surface), replace the cylinder block. (Refer to the "Cylinder Block Replacement" procedures in the appropriate 2.2 (L61) Engine Mechanical Service Manual for the vehicle being repaired.)

- If all cylinder liners are flush with he block surface, replace the cylinder head. (Refer to the "Cylinder Head Replacement" procedures in the appropriate 2.2 (L61) Engine Mechanical Service Manual for the vehicle being repaired.)

6. Verify leaks have been corrected.





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.


grampyjimbo12
New User

Dec 22, 2012, 9:36 AM

Post #7 of 7 (3108 views)
Re: Blown head gasket? Sign In

Ok thanks, I hope i don't have to replace the cylinder head. I am getting the tell-tale white smoke from the tailpipe. Also the milky oil contamination so i guess i might have to replace the head.






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