Cutlass L4-138 2.3L VIN A FI HP (1990)
KITS.
The following inspections may be performed to verify that there is a concern with the head gasket.
NOTICE:
ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING FOUR (4) CONDITIONS LISTED BELOW MAY INDICATE A FAILED HEAD GASKET.
1.
Confirm that there is coolant loss with no external leaks.
2.
Check for bubbling in the coolant recovery or surge tank.
3.
White smoke from exhaust system WHEN VEHICLE IS AT NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE.
4.
Remove spark plugs from a cool engine, refer to SECTION 6D4.
^
Inspect cylinder by looking through the spark plug hole. Water or coolant in the cylinder or a washed (clean) piston may mean there is a
concern with the head gasket.
^
Remove ECM fuse and crank engine with spark plugs removed. Water or coolant vapor coming out of the spark plug hole may mean there is a
concern with the head gasket.
^
Inspect spark plugs. Green contamination may indicate an internal coolant leak.
5.
If steps 1 through 4 give no indication of a head gasket concern, fill the coolant recovery or surge tank. Mark and date the tank at the coolant level.
Return vehicle to the owner. Ask the customer not to add any coolant to the system and monitor the coolant level. Have the customer return the
vehicle to the dealership if the coolant level is low.
IMPORTANT:
Condensation in the oil does not necessarily indicate a head gasket concern if there is no coolant loss. Some condensation in the oil may be considered
normal.
Service Procedure
1.
Completely drain the cooling system.
IMPORTANT:
The cylinder block, head, radiator and heater core must be completely drained of coolant since the old coolant will be contaminated with
combustion residue. Refer to the appropriate section of your service manual for draining procedure.
2.
Remove the cylinder head. Refer to the appropriate service manual section.
