Jerry Thomas

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.

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.

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and their website

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Cat Man HHR

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.

donbrew

The turbo has both water and oil running through it, and seals for both.

firemangeorge

If it's got over 100k miles on it, best bet is to replace the engine.

Oldblue

The oil cooler also was oil and coolant running thru it, they do corrode

Jerry Thomas

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,.

RJ_RS_SS_350

Yes, replace the tensioner also.

Jerry Thomas

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.

Jerry Thomas

only 70000. Miles.