1998 Chevy Cavalier - Blown head gasket cause a no start?

Looks like 2 cylinders are low on compression. Half the engine not firing? If there is sufficient fuel and spark, then compression has to be addressed.



Did it ever not crank?
Hopefully hydrolic compression didn't occur and cause damage to the connecting rods.

[quote:8303c9c85b="Service Writer"]Looks like 2 cylinders are low on compression. Half the engine not firing? If there is sufficient fuel and spark, then compression has to be addressed.[/quote:8303c9c85b]

Fuel was in the coolant that I extracted from each cylinder and spark is good.

[quote:8303c9c85b="Service Writer"]Did it ever not crank?
Hopefully hydrolic compression didn't occur and cause damage to the connecting rods.[/quote:8303c9c85b]

Engine started and ran when hot/overheating, but would not start after it cooled down. It cranks very strong so know battery and starter are okay. It seems like there is a constant flow of coolant into cylinder 2 (95 on comp test) because I could never get it fully dried out. How would I test/look for hydrolic compression? It feels like I'm missing something small. I'm pretty sure it should still be able to start even though it's leaking coolant.

Hydrolic compression is when the cylinder fills with coolant enough that the piston cannot reach full extension. If it happened it is too late.

With 2 cylinders low I would expect it to fire

[quote:88f81f08a1="Service Writer"]Hydrolic compression is when the cylinder fills with coolant enough that the piston cannot reach full extension.[/quote:88f81f08a1]
That makes sense, but I don't think that is the case here.

[quote:88f81f08a1="Service Writer"]With 2 cylinders low I would expect it to fire[/quote:88f81f08a1]
As would I. Are there any other tests/inspections I can do to narrow down the problem?

Sorry I was at work and had to end it mid-sentence.


We need to eliminate some things. You are sure the fuel and spark is good? Just to cover the basics.
We are assumng the fuel pressure is good.

What codes are listed in the computer.

Is the anti-theft light on?

IF the fuel is and spark are both good that only leaves timing and compression. We know the compression is bad on 2 cylinders.

Timing chain may have jumped is the only other thing that I can think of that may be causing a 2nd potential problem, but doubt it at 90,000 miles.

I would pull the head and get it thoroughly checked, would be surprised if it was cracked. Try to identify the cause of failure areas if possible.

I would replace the head bolts on this and be sure that the tightening sequence and torque is followed and met. I don't see why you would have to go back into the head area in the event of a no start.

If the head gasket is blown between the center two cylinders, the opposing force for the end cylinders is missing and getting it to run may be difficult

Thank you for the information Service Writer and 2CarPro Jack. I will take a look at it further when I get home tonight. I am picking up a head gasket, valve cover gasket and head bolts in the morning. I would like to get the engine started before I remove the head, but if not I will inspect the damage throughly while it is dismantled. I will report back with findings when I have them.

Absolutley get a machine shop to evaluate this head. Pressure test and surfaced if okay. I would not want to reassemble otherwise.

Couple notes. Look at the dowl pin areas and the gasket at that point on disassembly. When removing the cylinder head bolts, pay attention to how they come out. I have heard of re-tapping needs on some of the bolts...#4 maybe?

Okay. I got the Head and Head Gasket off this weekend and took some pics. I've posted some pics in this thread and I have put ALL of the pics (full size - 2 pages) here:

Obviously, coolant needs to be removed from each cylindar, again. I'm going to have the head tested by a machine shop as suggested before I install the new HG. I will be replacing the valve cover gasket and the gaskets for the intake and exhaust manifolds as well. I also need to clean the block surface.

I got the head inspected by a machine shop. They recommended a pressure test, resurface, and a valve job. I agreed to the tune of $275. I cleaned up the block and cylinders myself. I replaced the head gasket and reassembled the engine. I then did a compression test (engine cold) and got 167 171 174 164. A huge improvement from before. I went to start the car and the engine turned over beautifully but only ran for about 3 seconds and died. I will be posting about this in another thread. So the answer to this question is: YES, if the head gasket is blown enough it can restrict the engine from fully starting. Thank you.

PS - I would give points to the guys that helped me, but apparently I don't have any to give.

Nice pics...purty!!!

GLad to see progress is happening.

I got the car running again! Check out my second thread here:
https://www.2carpros.com/forum/here-vp232813.html#232813

Thanks again for all the help!