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HEad Gasket blown maybe cracked?


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bigteezy
New User

Sep 18, 2008, 11:36 PM

Post #1 of 8 (3107 views)
post icon HEad Gasket blown maybe cracked? Sign In

Chevy Cavalier
1996
2.2Liter
165,000 ?

Ok Ill tell you how it stopped working first haha.

I was driving and my temperature gauge started to climb but never went out of the "safe operation" range. So I kept driving pulled up to a light and it died. I started it back up and drove into a parking lot. Opened the hood and found out my radiator hose popped off. So I put it back on and fill it up. (not letting it cool down, now I know never to do that again) and try starting it going on my own way. Well I try starting it and it dont start it turns but wont start. So i open the hood and have a friend watch the engine. It tells me to stop trying to start it and water is squirtung up out of the engine near the spark plugs. So I tow it to a shop they tell me it s a head gasket and want 900 bucks to fix it. So i tow it home thinking the car isnt worth fixing. So i pull the plugs out and try starting it and its just squirting water out of the spark plug holes.

Now I know some cars run on a blown head gasket. Could I have totally crack my head and need a new one? And would it be easier to drop a newer motor in it or fixing? or just not worth fixing at all. Besides this my car has ran perfect.(besides the timing chain i replace 2 months ago) Thanks guys.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Sep 19, 2008, 1:03 AM

Post #2 of 8 (3102 views)
Re: HEad Gasket blown maybe cracked? Sign In

What happened with the timing belt - just routine replacement?

The head could be in trouble or more! It's an alum head and vulnerable so you should find out what this will cost if that needs replacement also.

I'd look at this with the miles as you are buying this car with the repair it needs now so how good is the car overall? It's enough miles for lots of items to be coming along but you might know best if this is worth the investment or swap out for another engine or time to consider another car.

Much of this depends on your confidence in used parts in your area and the shop(s) you deal with. Get some up front prices for a worst case with the engine now to repair it.

Keep in mind that this should also be tuned up and fluids changed with this job too,

T



bigteezy
New User

Sep 19, 2008, 1:21 PM

Post #3 of 8 (3090 views)
Re: HEad Gasket blown maybe cracked? Sign In

The timing chain went on my car. So I just replaced it. The car is in fair condition for a car with a lot of miles i mean it has its dings a dents but it has not rust or anything the interior is still good besides my air bags that went off. I dont think its an aluminum head either.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Sep 19, 2008, 6:11 PM

Post #4 of 8 (3085 views)
Re: HEad Gasket blown maybe cracked? Sign In

Ok: I believe you are right for the 2.2 on the head. I was just googling some info myself and it warned of how to handle the aluminum head on 2.3 and 2.4 engines - didn't comment on the 2.2. Cast iron is more likely to survive IMO.

Didn't check on exact info to make a mistake again but it could be an interferrance engine and damaged when timing chain "went" as you said it did but lasted 2 months.

Your call highly dependant on what's available to you for help at what prices. Where I live this car with air bags deployed alone at the age and miles would render it scrap/salvage value only and wouldn't be allowed legally on the road till those were fixed!

You seem to have a pretty good idea of whether this is worth fixing or not and of course you decide. Good luck whatever you choose to do,

T



Double J
Veteran / Moderator
Double J profile image

Sep 20, 2008, 12:39 PM

Post #5 of 8 (3070 views)
Re: HEad Gasket blown maybe cracked? Sign In

My 2 cents...

I'll just bet the head is cracked...we replaced many 2.2 heads.....
Agree with Tom,you know the condition of the vehicle and its worth..

If you decide to repair it,I'd put in a replacement (known good) engine rather that put money into this...at this mileage...

Thats my opinion

Jim


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Sep 20, 2008, 5:43 PM

Post #6 of 8 (3068 views)
Re: HEad Gasket blown maybe cracked? Sign In

Jim - Just announced from the Federal Reserve that you now have to throw in FOUR cents due to the depreciation of the US dollarWink

T



bigteezy
New User

Sep 25, 2008, 11:14 AM

Post #7 of 8 (3044 views)
Re: HEad Gasket blown maybe cracked? Sign In

Hahaha well thanks guys. Ill probably just junk it.


Double J
Veteran / Moderator
Double J profile image

Sep 26, 2008, 11:01 AM

Post #8 of 8 (3034 views)
Re: HEad Gasket blown maybe cracked? Sign In

LMAO!

Good one Tom...

Ain't that the truth!






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