1999 Chevy Cavalier Engine problem 100000+ miles.

MONEYCOUNT

MEMBER
1999 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
100,000 MILES

Wont start due to water on the spark plugs. Wondering if it blew the head gasket? With no water in the oil, can it still be a blown gasket or the head getting cracked? Ran fine but did overheat slightly. Not enough to make the motor quit or stall. Water was all over engine compartment. Could water have seeped pass the plugs into the cylinders? Help Please

7 Replies

FIXITMR

MECHANIC
9,990 POSTS

You can get it pressure tested to find leak or just refill and watch what happens? Could be squirting from somewhere onto engine.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Tuesday, March 27th, 2012 AT 5:04 AM

MONEYCOUNT

MEMBER
27 POSTS

After a pressure test and there is a leak, wouldnt water be in the oil if it was the gasket or the head or is that not always true?

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Wednesday, March 28th, 2012 AT 6:36 PM

MONEYCOUNT

MEMBER
27 POSTS

Ok Thanks. Blown gasket is what I figured though. Now my brother tried starting it today ( I wasnt there) and said it had backfired. Does this mean that it jumped timing also?

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Thursday, March 29th, 2012 AT 2:59 AM

MONEYCOUNT

MEMBER
27 POSTS

They say if a low compression reading on the first stroke which doesnt build up during successive strokes indicates leaking valves or a blown head gasket (or a cracked head) may be the cause. If two adjacent cylinders have equally low compression, there's a strong possibility the head gasket is blown. The appearance of coolant in the combustion chambers or the crankcase would verify this condition.I'm sure compression test will show this.A blown gasket from the symptoms. Thanks Guys

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Thursday, March 29th, 2012 AT 6:26 AM