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HHR SS, 2009. BAD HEAD GASKET And?

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Old Sep 27, 2020 | 10:17 AM
  #1  
Jerry Thomas's Avatar
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From: Draper Utah
HHR SS, 2009. BAD HEAD GASKET And?

Trying to replace head gasket. Is it possible to remove head whill engine is still in car? I'm at the point where I have to remove timing chain. When this problem started the engine was overheating, coolant was dissappearing. No evidence of a leak, no coolant in oil. Cooling system held pressure. Put in head gasket stop leak and problems solved. The about six months later engine started blowing blue smoke. Found some oil residue in turbocharger system and intake. Intake valves coated with oily carbon residue.
Old Sep 27, 2020 | 11:16 AM
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Yes you can remove the head , after you remove the turbo and exhaust manifold and the intake manifold, the timing chain.
be advised that the head bolts are a use em once item, order new head bolts when you order the new head gasket set.
So, you are aware , we do get a discount code from RockAuto.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/www....ad.php?t=61707

and their website

https://www.rockauto.com/
Old Sep 27, 2020 | 11:56 AM
  #3  
Cat Man HHR's Avatar
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Blue smoke is oil not coolant.
Yes antifreeze is made from oil, but it will be white in color.
How much passed thru the exhaust will determine if the cat is now no good.
Old Sep 27, 2020 | 02:16 PM
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The turbo has both water and oil running through it, and seals for both.
Old Sep 27, 2020 | 03:50 PM
  #5  
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If it's got over 100k miles on it, best bet is to replace the engine.
Old Sep 27, 2020 | 03:51 PM
  #6  
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The oil cooler also was oil and coolant running thru it, they do corrode
Old Sep 27, 2020 | 08:19 PM
  #7  
Jerry Thomas's Avatar
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Joined: 08-24-2020
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From: Draper Utah
Originally Posted by Oldblue
Yes you can remove the head , after you remove the turbo and exhaust manifold and the intake manifold, the timing chain.
be advised that the head bolts are a use em once item, order new head bolts when you order the new head gasket set.
So, you are aware , we do get a discount code from RockAuto.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/www....ad.php?t=61707

and their website

https://www.rockauto.com/
If I understand the videos and instructions I've seen I will need to release the tension on the timing chain to get the gears off. All the videos are done on a engine that has been removed. I've gined access to the timing chain cover through a panel under the front fender,.
Old Sep 27, 2020 | 09:41 PM
  #8  
RJ_RS_SS_350's Avatar
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Yes, replace the tensioner also.
Old Sep 28, 2020 | 06:23 PM
  #9  
Jerry Thomas's Avatar
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Joined: 08-24-2020
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From: Draper Utah
Oil residue in turbocharger ducting

Originally Posted by donbrew
The turbo has both water and oil running through it, and seals for both.
So if there is a bad seal on turbocharger oil system, oil could possibly flow into the intake system and out the exhaust. Intake valves look very black and oily.
Old Sep 28, 2020 | 06:25 PM
  #10  
Jerry Thomas's Avatar
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Joined: 08-24-2020
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From: Draper Utah
Originally Posted by firemangeorge
If it's got over 100k miles on it, best bet is to replace the engine.
only 70000. Miles.



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