Peter Joseph

Hello everyone. My name is Peter and I own a 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier with a 2.2L 4 cylinder engine, Vin number: 4.

My car went hot on me about a week ago so I pulled over and had it towed to the mechanic. The mechanic replaced my water pump for me but told me that the head of my engine was leaking as well. I did confirm that it was not only the head gasket but the actual engine head that is a problem.

I have 182,000 miles on the car so I am trying to decide if it would be worth fixing or if I should just get a new car altogether. Unfortunately, I can't afford either and, being 19 years old without a credit score, I'm not in a position to take out a loan and I have no one to co-sign.

Here is my question...
My car is being towed back to my house right now. I am told that if I dismantle the engine head from the car, I can get it toned back to how it needs to be for a few hundred dollars. Is there anyone who knows how and would be willing to describe to me how to dismantle and put in the engine head on my own? I have been learning to work on cars and feel I have a bit on competency at this point but an engine head is still a massive repair for me to make so any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!-Peter

BW56

I picked up a head for mine that was rebuilt for $350, plus new head bolts as their not reusable, plus a top end gasket set. Took my time and did a little each day and had it running in a week. I had no book or such, just common sense and the internet.

Peter Joseph

Hello BW56. Thank you for the response. I hadn't thought about getting new bolts so I'm very glad that you mentioned that. I think I'm going to give it try and see what I can do.