If you have a properly equipped shop it's the fastest way to get the job done and much easier on the technician.

 

Yes, if properly equipped, but most don’t have a lift! Most don’t even have a torque wrench.

 

But, if they drop the cradle they don't get the flat rate slack. Timing chain R&R is 5 hours, 3 of which is dropping the cradle R&R.

 

I had to say I'm really impressed by the amount of knowledge of these 2.0, 2.2, 2.4L here. I've only had HHR's with the 2.2's. but hat's off to you guys. I thought I knew a lot. Lol
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Agreed! Glad to be apart of this community of super knowledgeable people

 

I ordered all the stuff suggested! Going to put the head gasket on hold for now.

 

So you are removing the cylinder head to investigate the coolant leak?

 

So you plan on doing the intake but not the heads and are hoping that fixes your leak.
Good luck with that.

 

Leave on and remove the other end.

FYI, it's a standard fuel line fitting even tho it's not a fuel line. They are normally removed with an inexpensive plastic tool that retracts the mental clips inside, but in this case, there is no room for the tool. It is possible to force it off, mangling the clip, which then needs to be replaced.

When you do the chains, it's possible to get away with re-using the engine cover gasket and the shaft seal. The CR seal that comes with the Felpro kit is probably more likely to seep than the original. (It kinda gets a bad rap because of its design, which will likely seep but is less likely to tear open and leak badly.) The existing cover gasket might be fine, and if it seeps it won't be bad.

 

I'm going to change the water pump and hope that is the coolant leak issue. Considering its pouring out from that area, I figure it's the most likely cause. If that doesn't do it, I will then proceed further into it.