I just got this car and have been going through it. I did a search here and found the info on the leaking head gasket and sure enough even with only 64k it looks like mine is too! It is the right corner or driver's side from the front of the car. It is a very tiny leak. Maybe a few drops everytime I take it out. I was going to try the GM sealing tabs to see if that fixes it since it worked well for me in the past on steel shim and Cometic gaskets. What could cause just one corner to leak? Has me really puzzled! When I searched I couldn't find a clear answer as to what is the best head gasket to go back with. It was hit or miss on the Fel-Pro and factory piece. Any suggestions?
I think I will be okay for now unless it really starts leaking but I would like to know if I decide to do it later some tips so it won't happen again. Is that possible?
i wouldnt use Fel-pro, we used them on out race car head, and they sucked, see if u can get Mr. Gasket or Wolrd Products
Stupid GM, it's the way the guide pins get put into the engine block. They are basically a flat sheet rolled into a cylinder. If the open end faces a very close by fluid passageway, the seal is weak and eventually fails. One of the two guide pins in my 2.2 was facing the coolant jacket and failed. The other one faced the outside of the block, and didn't (wouldn't) cause a bad seal. I can't post pics here, don't got them up anywhere. eMail me and I can send you them that way. BTW, my bad pin was by #4 cylinder (rear).
my valve seal was changed on my 2200 when it had 70 something on it not big deal i changed it and its fine now.
I will look into those gaskets. I would like to see those pictures if possible.
I added GM seal tabs yesterday and so far the very small leakage I had appears to be gone.
1995 Cavalier 2.2 Liter Auto With 64k Miles
Valve cover on my '96 2.2 failed, to. Not sure if it failed outright, or if it wasn't put on well at assembly. Car was still under warranty 'way back' then, so had it replaced for free.
My leak is dry now but I still plan on watching it like a Hawk. As long as I don't get the oil/water or water/oil mix, pressurization of the radiator or it running bad I see no need to do the head gasket right now. Anyone agree?
1995 Cavalier 2.2 Liter Auto With 64k Miles
OE GM gasket for the 2.2 looked of good quality. My partner-in-repair, an ASE tech, was surprised on the quality of materials. Said that GM probably didn't want any repeat repairs of the repairs and made good gaskets for once. As for no need to do now, you're right. BUT, schedule a weekend out (make it a long one if this is a first-time job for you) within the next few months. Do a good flush of the system when done. You shouldn't need any of the 'sealing tablet' crap helping you out afterwards if you did a good job.
