1994 Saturn SL2 Head Gasket

WILLNSEGUINTX

MEMBER
1994 SATURN SL2
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
122,000 MILES

I recently bought A 94 SL2 DOHC with 122k miles on it. I have not experienced any immediate problems with it but was suggested to me that I should replace the head gasket and valve cover gasket and that Saturns are famous for blowing those around 120k miles. I have a slight leak from the valve cover gasket and have replaced. Should I go ahead and replace the head gasket and springs and seals, too? If so, is it costly?

3 Replies

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,870 POSTS

I have worked for Saturn repairing cars for over 16yrs and have not seen them typicially blow head gaskets at 120,000 miles I have seen them blow from people overheating them and getting them too hot. But not from a poor design. So if ur gasket isn't leaking externally or internally then I wouldn't change it. It would be expensive and a waste of money u could spend on ur car that it needs. Let me know if u have anymore questions.

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Thursday, April 1st, 2010 AT 12:04 PM

WILLNSEGUINTX

MEMBER
2 POSTS

The car runs well but seems to leak some from the valve cover gasket. Im very proud of how it runs and doenst overheat at all. Yet. I changed the oil and the previous was 10w-40. I went with what the manual called for, which was 5w-30. As of yet, I have no heat issues and no problems with smoking - would it be just as prudent to change the valve cover gasket and not worry bout the head gasket?

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Friday, April 2nd, 2010 AT 2:09 AM

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,870 POSTS

I would just change the valve cover and leave the head gasket alone. On the valve cover its put on with silcone to attach it so make sure u put on a light coat of silcone or the gasket will pop out when u tighten down the valve cover. Also tighten it slowly and make sure u dont over tighten it. Let me know how it goes.

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Friday, April 2nd, 2010 AT 10:35 PM