SL2 Head Gasket
bwright138
07-29-2005, 02:41 AM
OK, so now I am faced with the unfortunate task of replacing the head gasket on my '92 SL2. I have read something about a timing chain sprocket stay tool only available from Saturn. Is this absolutely necessary? Also, this is my first head gasket on an overhead cam motor. Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated.
sierrap615
08-01-2005, 12:11 AM
i assume you did a leak down test?
that special tool is for removing the camshafts, it will not help at all for removing the head, even for the camshafts, its not needed, just handy.
i suggest buying a Hanyes or Chiltons repair manual at your local auto parts store for less then $20.(Hanyes is better IMHO)
the top motor mount needs to come off. A 1" X 1" X 2" wood block placed between the engine cradle and torque strut(under the crank pulley) can support the engine tempararily.
the front cover must come off as well as the timing chain. if the chain is still orginal, you may want to replace it for preventive maintaince, as with higher mileage they tend to wear and if the timing chain jumps or fails you will at a minium bend a few valves. they are more likey to fail on poorly maintained vehicles(lack of oil changes). the entire kit is about $200, not bad considering the cost if it would fail.
the oil pump is mounted inside the front cover, i think the oil pump cover it included in the timing chain kit. the oil pump cover was redesigned in 1996, the new version should extend the life of the timing chain.
the ECT(engine coolant temp sensor) was resigned in 2001, the old version tended to crack and fail slowly over time. replacement is between $10-20.
the head bolts are TTY (torque-to-yield) they are one time use and must be replaced.
that special tool is for removing the camshafts, it will not help at all for removing the head, even for the camshafts, its not needed, just handy.
i suggest buying a Hanyes or Chiltons repair manual at your local auto parts store for less then $20.(Hanyes is better IMHO)
the top motor mount needs to come off. A 1" X 1" X 2" wood block placed between the engine cradle and torque strut(under the crank pulley) can support the engine tempararily.
the front cover must come off as well as the timing chain. if the chain is still orginal, you may want to replace it for preventive maintaince, as with higher mileage they tend to wear and if the timing chain jumps or fails you will at a minium bend a few valves. they are more likey to fail on poorly maintained vehicles(lack of oil changes). the entire kit is about $200, not bad considering the cost if it would fail.
the oil pump is mounted inside the front cover, i think the oil pump cover it included in the timing chain kit. the oil pump cover was redesigned in 1996, the new version should extend the life of the timing chain.
the ECT(engine coolant temp sensor) was resigned in 2001, the old version tended to crack and fail slowly over time. replacement is between $10-20.
the head bolts are TTY (torque-to-yield) they are one time use and must be replaced.
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