Hey guys, Im replacing the headgasket on my eco. Any suggestions on which head gasket should I buy. no major power mods planned. Should I trust the felpro one form autozone? Also, where to get head bolts and camshaft sproket bolts. Those should be replaced as well, correct? I was thinking of a motor mount but dont want it to be so shaky like my ln2. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
03 eco w/ 38k miles 5speed
03 cav
5 speed sedan
Cometic MLS gasket
-Aaron
www.TurboTechRacing.com
Performance Parts For Cavalier, Sunfire, Cobalts and More!!!
The real question is why are you replacing your head gasket at 38k?
after an extensive debate on what was causing the lost of coolant, I came to conclude that the head gasket had crapped out on me!
Check engine light on (random misfire), lost coolant, high preassure in the cooling system, and the latest before I started tearing into it, milky oil! They all seem to be signs of a headgasket failure or some sort of it.
I have to admit that I have demanded a lot from the cav. It was time to get him a brake!
03 cav
5 speed sedan
Juan Chavez wrote:after an extensive debate on what was causing the lost of coolant, I came to conclude that the head gasket had crapped out on me!
Check engine light on (random misfire), lost coolant, high preassure in the cooling system, and the latest before I started tearing into it, milky oil! They all seem to be signs of a headgasket failure or some sort of it.
I have to admit that I have demanded a lot from the cav. It was time to get him a brake!
better get the head and block checked for warpage/flatness.
JBO Stickers! Get yours today!
Is it possible to do it myself (flatness/warpage) check? or should i take it to a shop?
03 cav
5 speed sedan
before you tore it down i still would of done a compression check. To check if the head and block are true you need a machined straight edge, you cant use a level or ruler or anything like that, it has to be a professional tool. Then you lay it on the head at certain angles and check the clearance with some feeler gauges in different spots, then compare that to the specs in your manual and if its more the spec take it to a machine shop. Usually the block is more forgiving then the head is, but i would still recommend checking it. If your head is cracked, then take it to a machine shop and have it resurfaced and pressure tested for cracks.
Thanks a lot Luis. I did a compression test on the cylinders. cyl # 1 was lower than the rest. At this point im hoping it has nothing to do with the head or the block.
03 cav
5 speed sedan
well, after sitting for a couple of days, i decided to just take the head off and see for myself.
It took me quite a while but finally its off. The head gasket has three small cracks between cylinder 2&3 and also between 3&4. I hope that is all there is. I noticed that cyl4 has a lot of carbon buildup. more than any other cylinder. is it normal or should be looking for something else?
im heading to autoxzone to get the headgasket and the bolt set next week. I will try to take pics.
03 cav
5 speed sedan
