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Sedans Chevrolet Cavalier Chevrolet Cavalier: Head Gasket Issues
58 messages, Last post on Oct 09, 2009 at 7:36 AM
You are in the Chevrolet Cavalier Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens
I am a neophyte with 6 thumbs and have absolutely zip on the mechanical aptitude scale. However, my budget is tighter than a duck's behind so I need to start doing some of the less technical skilled repairs on my own. Would attempting to change the gasket on the head cover be pushing it or shoule I take it to Mr. Goodyear and hand over my wallet?
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Replying to: patton1 (May 04, 2007 1:47 am) |
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Replying to: patton1 (May 04, 2007 1:47 am) Lets begin (assuming it is the 2.2 OHV); before starting make sure you have the fallowing; new gasket, sealant, torque wrench ( can be rented if needed), assorted metric and SAE sockets and wrenchs,plyers and . Wait for the ENGINE to be COMPLETLY COOL OR MANY THINGS COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG INCLUDING NASTY BURNS!!!! First begin by removing the resonator ( black plastic thing over the throttle body). To do so you'll need nice a 10mm socket and ratchet. Unbolt the resonator mounting bolt using the 10mm socket. Once this is done you can remove the resonator by GENTLY lifting it from the throtle body. Once the resonator is removed, you will need to remove a "metal sheild" that protects the fuel rail. To remove this you will need a 13mm wrench (size maybe abit off, if it is simply trial and error until you find the proper side). There are two (2) bolts ontop of "the sheild" and three (3) located on the rear. Once thats out of the way your ready to begin unbolting the valve cover. To unbolt the valve cover you'll need to use the 10mm ratchet and socket used earlier for the resonator. There a total of six (6) bolts to unbolt. If the bolts are rusted or seized up, use penetrating fluid (WD-40, Engine Oil) to loosen the rust. Once the bolts have been removed, your ready to lift of the valve cover. Place the cover and cover bolts in a safe location and be carful not to lose any bolts. If the valve cover is stuck, use a block of and a mallet to tap off the cover. Once the cover is off, remove the old gasket from the cover and remove all traces of old gasket and sealent from the mating surface. To remove the old sealant use a shop rag soaked in Kerosen. MAKE SURE YOU STORE THE USED RAGS SAFLEY!!!! Once that is done, install apply some RTV sealant to valve cover and install the gasket on the cover. When this is done, put the cover back on. MAKE ABSOLUTELY SURE THAT ALL TRACES OF THE OLD GASKET HAVE BEEN REMOVED OR AN OIL LEAK CAN/WILL OCCUR!!!! Using the torque wrench install the valve cover bolts to Chevrolet's torque specifications. Install the fuel rail protective sheild and the resonator and you are done! I also strongly suggest that you pick up a Haynes repair manual (15-20 CDN$). They contain tons of pictures and tips to make the job easier. Have fun and keep that hard earned money! If you have any questions Pep Boys, NAPA, Partsource (if your in Canada) will be glad to provide any advice! 
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I own a 1994 automatic cavalier with about 136,000 miles on it. I just had the head gasket replaced last week after it overheated. I got my car back yesterday (Saturday) and today after driving it on the highway for about 6 miles the check engine light came on. It seemed to be running fine though. I turned around and came home because i don't want to do anymore possible damage to it. And of course the repair shop isn't open today. I will bring it in tomorrow morning but was wondering if you guys had any idea what the problem could be. I've recently had the following replaced: water pump (after car overheated a month ago), alternator, battery, starter (about 7 mo. ago), new spark plugs, new brakes, all new tires and a serpentine belt. I get oil changes every 3,000-3,500 miles. I drive mostly on the highway to commute 20 miles to and from work every day and some in town driving. I am so frustrated as I have put so much money into this vehicle. I am looking to buy a new (used) car soon but need this car to last me at least another month or two. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you. p.s. - My power steering also seems screwed up since I got it back from the shop. I've had this happen before for brief times but it would always go back to normal. |
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I have steam seeping out of the valve cover gasket. At first it was intermittent, but now it seems to be constant. It leaks from the front side over the exhaust manifold. There is no water in the oil. The car is a '94 with 114K miles and I am trying to decide if it's a DIY job. The last head gasket I replaced was in '82 on a Ford Fiesta. When that went it broke a valve (the replacement was incorrectly listed at the dealer and it took 3 days to get the right valve - after I took a good one and showed them that their replacement was incorrect!) Any thoughts on whether it's a gasket, head or worse? |
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1996 Cavalier Z24 two door coupe. 140,000 miles. My mechanic identified that the head gasket was leaking hydrocarbons at something like 35 parts per million. Said it should be zero. He didn't want to take the engine apart to fix it and so applied SteelSeal. The hydrocarbons are now down to 15 parts per million. I am looking to sell this car. Figure that the buyer will have a head gasket repair job sometime in a year or so (and of course I'll be up front about it), but am concerned that because it was not fully repaired I might be mistaken and the buyer will be stuck with a repair job very soon. Mechanic said that the hydrocarbon leak would not cause it to fail a smog check. Opinions? |
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| My son came home last night and told me the car had overheated.It is a 2000 Chevy Cavalier with a 2.2. It died about a half of a block away. Now is won't start, just turns over and makes a sound like the starter is going out or some thing. I don't know if it is a blown head gasket or the timing belt. I removed the valve cover and then turned over the motor and the rocker arms are all working. So I'm thinking it isn't the timing unless it jumped time. Can someone give my a little help here. Thanks | |
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Replying to: gbme (Jan 11, 2008 6:38 am) |
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Replying to: gbme (Jan 11, 2008 6:38 am) |
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