Has anybody done their own head gasket job on a 2.2L? I am in the planning stage of the job. I need to know if it is really necessary to remove the timing chain, or can I just pop the cam sprockets on/off. The job would be alot easier with out removing the timing chain (engine front) cover.

 

Haven't done an Ecotec but if these engines have chain tensioners like most other OHC engines I've worked on, you'd have to somehow wedge the chain to keep the tensioner in place before removing the sprockets. Otherwise you would end up having to pull the front cover anyway when it came time to put the sprockets back. Due to the design, on some engines it's just not possible to do this without removing the front cover. Not sure if these fall into that catagory.

 

If you talking about one with over 75-100k miles, then I would want to remove it anyway. At least put a new water pump on while in there. Check everything else,chain,tensioners,any leaks,etc.
Would give me peace of mind, especially if I planned on keeping it for a while longer.

 

OK, so now I'm almost ready to dive into the job. Anybody know what flavor and size socket for the head bolts? hex, hex key, square key, star key, torx etc.


I found out they are hex head, You also need a t55 torx to remove the "fixed timing chain guide access plug"