I have a 1997 with the 2.2l inline 4cyl. Alot of the time when it is started cold the motor will "hammer", shake, and has a strong smell of antifreeze from the exhaust. There are no antifreeze leaks noticeable on the ground, but it does use antifreeze. The oil shows no signs of water/antifreeze in it. It has over 136k on it, so I know I need to get the timing belt replaced again, but could the problem I described be the head gasket?

Those symptoms that you describe sure do point to being a bad head gasket. Its possible to have a bad gasket and still not have any coolant getting into the oil. To make sure try getting a compression test done. If two adjacent cylinders have low readings then you have found your problem.

Those symptoms that you describe sure do point to being a bad head gasket. Its possible to have a bad gasket and still not have any coolant getting into the oil. To make sure try getting a compression test done. If two adjacent cylinders have low readings then you have found your problem. Thanks. that is what I thought and a coworker of mine who is VERY mechanically inclined also suspects it. I think I will just take it to the closest Chevy dealer and get the head gasket changed and a new timing belt. Thanks for your quick response.

When did you have the timing "belt" replaced? If this is the Quad-4 or Quad-OHC engine, it has a chain driving the cam(s).

When did you have the timing "belt" replaced? If this is the Quad-4 or Quad-OHC engine, it has a chain driving the cam(s). Just used the wrong terminology. I am aware that it is a chain, not a belt. I am just used to saying belt.

Just used the wrong terminology. I am aware that it is a chain, not a belt. I am just used to saying belt.

Why would you need the chain replaced again?

Why would you need the chain replaced again? Basically because I bought this vehicle back from my parents, it has 136k miles, and the mechanic they had working on it.....well let's just say I am not too sure of his "trustworthiness", if that is a word. He supposedly did it a long time ago, but I don't trust that it was actually done.

If you don't hear the chain rattle you should be ok. Chains will normally stretch and give you warning prior to breaking or skipping a tooth. That’s why I love them. Belts…..well you never know and have to get then changed just in case.

You do not want the timing chain break on a 1997 and down 2.2,it is an interferance engine and will bend the valves.