1989 Buick Century head gasket

1989 BUICK CENTURY
722,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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MOSVALVE
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My '89 Century will not start. It pours out white smoke and "coughs" up from the intake when I try. The far left spark plug looks greasy around the gap andThe radiator water level has also gone down substantially . This leads me to belive the head gasket has blown. Since i cannot get anyone interested in fixing it, I am going to try it on my own. I have gotten to the head bolts; is there a specific method to untorque them and pull the head off ?
Sep 4, 2009 at 12:30 AM
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BLUELIGHTNIN6
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https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/261618_Noname_928.jpg


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/261618_Noname2_248.jpg

FIG. 3


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/261618_Graphic_161.jpg

Sep 4, 2009 at 12:34 AM
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MOSVALVE
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much for the help. The tops of 3 of the 4 pistons are pretty dirty looking - should i clean them up, and if so, what should I use ?
Sep 7, 2009 at 2:50 PM
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BLUELIGHTNIN6
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To clean up the carbon build-up off of the pistons, you can use a brass brush and some solvent. Brass won't scratch steel and does a great job at removing carbon deposits on the piston crowns. Solvents such as "Simple Green" are great for basic degreasing.

If you want to get it looking like new again , you can use a harsh solvent such as Acetone, Paint Thinner, or Kerosene. This requires removing the pistons and letting them soak in the solvent of choice over night.
Sep 7, 2009 at 4:34 PM