1994 Saturn SL2 Head Gasket

1994 SATURN SL2
122,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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WILLNSEGUINTX
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I recently bought A 94 SL2 DOHC with 122k miles on it. I have not experienced any immediate problems with it but was suggested to me that I should replace the head gasket and valve cover gasket and that Saturns are famous for blowing those around 120k miles. I have a slight leak from the valve cover gasket and have replaced. Should I go ahead and replace the head gasket and springs and seals, too? If so, is it costly?
Apr 1, 2010 at 11:53 AM
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SATURNTECH9
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I have worked for Saturn repairing cars for over 16yrs and have not seen them typicially blow head gaskets at 120,000 miles I have seen them blow from people overheating them and getting them too hot.but not from a poor design.so if ur gasket isn't leaking externally or internally then I wouldn't change it.it would be expensive and a waste of money u could spend on ur car that it needs.let me know if u have anymore questions.
Apr 1, 2010 at 12:04 PM
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WILLNSEGUINTX
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the car runs well but seems to leak some from the valve cover gasket. im very proud of how it runs and doenst overheat at all....yet. I changed the oil and the previous was 10w-40. i went with what the manual called for, which was 5w-30. As of yet, i have no heat issues and no problems with smoking - would it be just as prudent to change the valve cover gasket and not worry bout the head gasket?
Apr 2, 2010 at 2:09 AM
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SATURNTECH9
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i would just change the valve cover and leave the head gasket alone.on the valve cover its put on with silcone to attach it so make sure u put on a light coat of silcone or the gasket will pop out when u tighten down the valve cover.also tighten it slowly and make sure u dont over tighten it.let me know how it goes.
Apr 2, 2010 at 10:35 PM