Is there a way to remove the head with valves untouched as one assembly?

Tiny
RAGENROGERS
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 CHEVROLET S-10
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 200,000 MILES
I bought the truck listed above a couple days ago. It had lots of power and fast. On the way home about an hour into the drive home, it started losing power. A minute or so later I smelled a faint scent of radiator water which was very momentary-maybe only about 3 seconds or so. A few minutes later I smelled it again. Only this time there were no other vehicles around. As I started making my way to the far-right lane I heard a ticking sound. Lost more power. I pulled over and opened the hood realizing the upper radiator hose blew. There was never any steam/smoke coming from engine area, no gurgling sounds, no other sign of overheating, and the overflow was still full. The temperature gauge never went above 1/2 way. Nothing felt really hot. Got home put on new radiator hose and refilled fluid in radiator. Tried to start it and it wouldn't start. Sounded like a real slow/sluggish cranking with a slightly higher pitch somewhat whining type sound.
So bought a head gasket set and bolts. Removed all that stuff to finally get down to valve cover- removed it. Notice some every other valve is at slight angle and every other one sits straight.

Please tell me there is some way to remove the head with valves untouched as one assembly. To avoid having to adjust each cylinder valve since I have not been successful at adjusting valves in the past.

I mean to say 98 chevy s-10. I just noticed after reading over my long post above that I said 89 s10. That is incorrect. I have a 98 s10. Not sure if that would change the best answer I get or not since they are both antiques. But since I really need the advice on this I want to clarify the correct vehicle. 1998 chevy s10 2200 manual tranny. 4 cylinder, I believe to be rear wheel drive.
Wednesday, September 28th, 2022 AT 2:35 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,878 POSTS
Hi,

To remove the cylinder head, you need to remove the push rods, which does require the removal of the rocker arms. See pic 1 below. If they aren't removed, they will simply fall out when you remove the head.

Additionally, when reinstalling the push rods, it is very important to keep them in the same location where they were removed from.

Have you confirmed there is a head gasket issue? For example, is there any coolant mixing with the oil, excessive white smoke from the exhaust, or air entering the cooling system?

Take a look at this link. See if anything mirrors what you have seen and experienced.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
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Wednesday, September 28th, 2022 AT 7:35 PM
Tiny
RAGENROGERS
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Actually no. I didn't experience any smoke. Doesn't seem to be water in oil. I guess I shouldn't have assumed it blew the head gasket just because it got hot. However, after refilling fluid and trying to start truck for less than 30 seconds, an enormous amount of pressure built up in radiator. The cap practically blew/popped off radiator. When it did lose power on the freeway the oil pressure was showing low.
Thank you so much for responding! What do you think has happened? I was about to loosen head bolts little at a time in sequence until hand tight/loose. Will I be able to tell by looking at the head/gasket if it was blown? What other signs should I look for?
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Wednesday, September 28th, 2022 AT 7:58 PM
Tiny
RAGENROGERS
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  • 4 POSTS
Removed plugs and rods. Plugs are wet from antifreeze/water. Though the rest of the head looks very dry.
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Wednesday, September 28th, 2022 AT 9:58 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,878 POSTS
Hi,

If the plugs have coolant on them and the radiator built pressure that quickly, your assumption seems correct.

When you remove the cylinder head, make sure it isn't cracked. You may want to have it checked by a shop to make sure.

I attached the directions for the removal and installation of the cylinder head below. Take a look through them and let me know if you have questions.

Also, when reinstalling the head, make sure to follow the torque sequence and procedures. There are several steps to follow.

Take care and let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below. Also, make sure all lifters, rockers, and pushrods go back into the same position they came from.
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Thursday, September 29th, 2022 AT 6:15 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,878 POSTS
Hi,

If the plugs have coolant on them and the radiator built pressure that quickly, your assumption seems correct.

When you remove the cylinder head, make sure it isn't cracked. You may want to have it checked by a shop to make sure.

I attached the directions for the removal and installation of the cylinder head below. Take a look through them and let me know if you have questions.

Also, when reinstalling the head, make sure to follow the torque sequence and procedures. There are several steps to follow.

Take care and let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

joe
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Thursday, September 29th, 2022 AT 6:15 PM
Tiny
RAGENROGERS
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Thank you Joe, you have helped me understand how this works. I appreciate the very informative links you referred me to. Your detailed explanations help me understand how things work!
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Friday, September 30th, 2022 AT 4:28 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

You are very welcome. I'm glad to know it helped. If you have a chance, let me know how things turn out for you. I'm interested in knowing.

Take care and let me know if I can help in any way.

Joe
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Friday, September 30th, 2022 AT 9:42 PM

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