Replacing Head Gasket on 1990 Cav.

[Ivona]

Hey guys, first time posting on the forums, tried searching for the info but couldnt find it

I got a 1990 3.1 Cavalier, and I'm just wondering if anyone has replaced the head gasket on this year and sized engine, and what's the best way to go about it. A link or description would be much appreciated, as well as any tips

Thanks guys

[Takulia]

The best thing you can do is pick up a Haynes manual on doing this since it would take several pages of typing to explain what you'll need to do. You're going to need a metric socket set and wrenches that include sizes from 8mm to 24mm I think. A ft/lb torque wrench. Those are the main things besides the usual assortment of tools. But if you've never changed a head gasket before you might want the help of an experienced person.

This isn't a quick job to accomplish and making a mistake means buying new gaskets and doing the work over again. I believe a mechanic will tell you it is a 10 hour job for them. So if you have little experience I would venture to guess at 30 hours.

Only other tips I can give you are to take pictures before removing each major peice so you can reference back to them after and take your time. The EGR valve under the plenum can be tricky to remove without damaging it and the fuel injectors can be a pain as well. Make sure to get both o-rings for each fuel injector.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by Ivona

Hey guys, first time posting on the forums, tried searching for the info but couldnt find it

I got a 1990 3.1 Cavalier, and I'm just wondering if anyone has replaced the head gasket on this year and sized engine, and what's the best way to go about it. A link or description would be much appreciated, as well as any tips

Thanks guys

[Ivona]

Alright...I got the manual, and my old man is kinda helping me along, and im kinda labling things and putting them in sandwich bags so as to keep organized...but i think i'll use the picure idea too, will probably come in handy

thanks alot man

[04_CaV!!]

I will asume that you are not only going to just replace the gasket but also have the head resurface? correct. If you don't have the head resurfaced pryer to installing the new head gasket you will only have to re-do all the work you just did in a few months. So take the time, take it to a machine shop and have it resurface so it's flat and true.

[Takulia]

Just a note on how I've done several of them now. I take a peice of 3/4" MDF which is fairly flat and spray it with glue and lay a piece of fine emery cloth over it. Then I oil the cloth with some 5w30 and polish the surfaces I'm about to places new gaskets between. Then clean it up with some brake cleaner or another solevent if you like. I haven't run into a problem yet, but of course I wouldn't know if the head was warped or not. Still as long as you get it cleaned up to the bare metal with a flat surface you should be fine.

Originally Posted by 04_CaV!!

I will asume that you are not only going to just replace the gasket but also have the head resurface? correct. If you don't have the head resurfaced pryer to installing the new head gasket you will only have to re-do all the work you just did in a few months. So take the time, take it to a machine shop and have it resurface so it's flat and true.

[wafrederick]

Check the cylinder head for warpness with a straightedge and a feeler gauge on the head gasket surface.Start with a .004 on the feeler gauge.If it slides in easy,get the head to a machine shop to get milled.If you do not do this,you will be doing this a second time.The headgasket will not seal up with a warped cylinder head.

[ford460bigblock]

i got a 96 2.2 and i just replaced the head gasket i heard from someone that i should go and check the trock on the head bolts everyweek is this true??

[Takulia]

Originally Posted by ford460bigblock

i got a 96 2.2 and i just replaced the head gasket i heard from someone that i should go and check the trock on the head bolts everyweek is this true??

I'm not sure how you would do that since the head bolts are not accessible without taking off the valve covers. You'd have to redo the valve covers each time as well.

[ford460bigblock]

i am just asking if the bolts would come losse. also my headgasket was blown only at the corner by the water pump by the part were the gasket gets tin what could have casued this

[89Sunbird]

Drop in a 3400 top end!

[ebritt]

As the guys have said above have the heads checked first not just for warp but for cracks especially between the valves. If they are ok then go ahead with the gasket replacement. Do not reuse the original head bolts! Get a new set because the old ones may have been strectched and will no torque properly and may even break.While you have the motor opened up nalso pull the lifters and inspect then and the cam for wear. I would replace the lifters anyway since the are pretty cheap. Also I would be careful when removeing the heater hose quick connector under the throttlebody, its pot metal and they have a tendancy to rot and crumble. It is threaded into the lower intake.
Hope that helps.