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Blown head gasket or cracked head?

Tiny
WJSCHILLING
  • MEMBER
  • CHEVROLET CAVALIER
I have a 1998 Chevy Cavalier 2.2L. I've had overheating problems lately. The radiator is 2 years old. Also, I've recently replaced the radiator hoses, thermostat, water pump and the serpentine belt while I was at it.

After replacing these parts I started the car and it held at a steady temp, the upper radiator hose was hot and the heater was blowing hot air, but white smoke was coming out of the engine near the spark plugs. Also, there was a bad smell coming from the heater vents. After driving it for a bit it began to overheat.

I started it a couple days later and noticed the smoke again. This time the upper radiator hose heated up, but the temperature never held steady and heater never blew hot air before it overheated.

Is this a blown head gasket, cracked head, a blown gasket (other than the head gasket), a bad heater core, or some other problem?

Thanks, Bill.
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Tuesday, June 6th, 2006 AT 1:16 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
LOSONE
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,616 POSTS
When you overheat a 2.2 one time it either blows a head gasket and most often cracks a head. It needs to be taken apart and checked. Make sure you have the head trued and checked for cracks. I have fixed hundreds of them.
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Tuesday, June 6th, 2006 AT 1:21 PM

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