anyone have a set of photos from a DIY on a head gasket change for the 2.2l? how about the "shop hours" for this job with no machine work to the heads?

 

This engine overheated probably due to a hole in the radiator. after replacing the radiator and thermostat, it still overheats, and gurgles a lot after turned off; i'm assuming that's a head gasket.

 

any advice/comments appreciated.

did you burp the system real good and use an OEM t-stat? stant makes an oem replacement (48457?) which works good as well, but the el-cheapo t-stats SUCK on these cars.

probably not the head gaskets. the ej22 does not suffer the same ills as the ej25. it could be the gaskets, but probably not. try burping it first.

Right, it's pretty easy to trap air pockets in these engines on a coolant refill if it isn't done properly.

surface heads ! do not use a rotory tool to clean block just razor blade and very gental to block

these engines notoriously trap air, make sure it's not simply that. it is often called "burping" the system.

 

EJ22 headgaskets don't fail....unless of course it's been previously overheated/abused which you're telling us is a possibility.

make sure when you burp it to have the heater on high, with the lever in the hot position.

oh - if it is headgaskets, they are really easy on this motor. remove intake - that's the longest part - you remove the 6 or so bolts holding it to the engine and then wiring harness connector, and whatever hoses, power steering or a/c lines are in the way. the ac/ compressor can be unbolted and swung over to the battery to get the lines out oft he way, no need to disconnect those.

 

remove exhaust manifold (six 14mm bolts), remove head bolts (six per side).