Coolant in cylinders

[808RIPPUH]

My 97 cavalier z24 is leaking coolant into the 2nd and 4th cylinders.. Could it be cracked cylinders, a warped head or head gasket?

[gmtech1]

Most likely a head, or head gasket problem. A compression test should show where the problem is. Pull the head and have it checked for cracked and warpage.

[808RIPPUH]

Thanks, I'll pull it off when I get the chance. It doesn't want to fire either. Could that be a lack of compression? I can get it to start but it takes a while and it dies when I take my foot off the gas.

[gmtech1]

Originally Posted by 808RIPPUH

Thanks, I'll pull it off when I get the chance. It doesn't want to fire either. Could that be a lack of compression? I can get it to start but it takes a while and it dies when I take my foot off the gas.

Yes. lack of compression and coolant in cylinders would make it hard to start.

[danielsatur]

If 4-cylinder, it's probably a bad head, or gasket.
If V8, you might be able to get away with doing only 1-head (cylinders 1-4).
If V6, a bad intake or gasket can pull water into the engine.
If the compression is good, lean towards a bad Intake or intake gasket.