Replacing cylinder head gasket.

[2014 sonic in jax]

Hello All,
well tomorrow i'll be replacing the head gasket on my 2014 1.8. My water pump went, but I think i drove it hot one too many times before replacing, because then the oil/water cooler went, and now the coolant system builds up an enourmous amount of pressure, and when i take off the coolant tank top, it smells like gas.
All signs point to a blown gasket. last time i changed one was on a V8, about 30 years ago on a car from 1973. So wish me luck, LOL.

 

[Chuzz']

Keep in mind that those head bolts are torque to yield and NOT reusable. You'll need to make sure you purchase new head bolts and thermostat. What's the oil look like? If it's like a chocolate milkshake, you're going to need to clean that engine out and a new oil filter and change. You might also have to flush the cooling system and put in new antifreeze. Be prepared. If you don't need all of that, you can always return it to the auto parts store. Keep your receipts.

 

[dannyg]

How many miles on your 2014 1.8L? Just curious, I’ve got a 2015 1.8L with 46K. Thanks.

 

[2014 sonic in jax]

yeah, i was resistant to replace the bolts at first, thought it wouldnt matter. But every manual, website, person said i would regret it. So i spent the 42.00 for a set of 10 new bolts.
The oil looked good when i checked the dipstick, then when i took the valve cover gasket off you could see it was pretty sludgy.
I will say one thing, the mechanic told me it would cost 900-1000 to do it, and that was IF he didnt find anything else wrong. But between gasket sets, specialty tools, and car rentals, ive spent almost that. I dont usually tackle major jobs like this because i dont have the experience with these cars, but i wouldnt do this again.

 

[2014 sonic in jax]

182,000. But, it literally is all highway miles. My manager that i bought it from had to drive between Jax and Tampa every week.

 

[Chuzz']

Your biggest obstacle should have been disconnecting the intake manifold. Is that why you say you'd not do this again? Or is it because of the timing belt? I'd highly recommend changing that while you have the head off. You're near the second recommended time frame anyway. With the head off, you can make sure #1 piston is at TDC and align your camshaft timing marks very easily. Make sure you lock the cams down to keep them from moving before you put the timing belt on.

 

[2014 sonic in jax]

I messed up replacing head gasket.

Hypothetical question. lets say you didn't do as everyone said and purchase the tools to hold camshafts in place. Instead, you made marks on all the pulleys and sprockets. Removed the timing belt, camshaft sprockets and crankshaft pulley, then the belt, then the head. Now upon reinstall, you realize the camshaft sprockets dont lock into place, and the cams have been turned. So nothings going to line up with the marks you made.

Any Advice?