Accidentally forgot to install washers with new cylinder head bolts

[mobilemig]

Update:


So, the new bolts arrived and I replaced the old bolts one at a time, and put everything back together. It took me quite a bit longer than expected, but I guess that's what happens when you're new to working on a particular car.


The good news is that everything seems to be working properly. It took a good 30 seconds of cranking to get it started the first time since there was no fuel in the line. Kind of good in a way as it gave the oil system a chance to pump up before any load came on.


The lifters were a little noisy at first but settled down once I was able to bring the revs up to about 1500rpm. The only other issue is the upper rad has is seeping a bit. Its already been off once before so I'm guessing its a bit tired being 8 years old.


I never posted why I had to change the head. In case you were wondering it was because the timing belt lost a good 9 inches of ribs at 138,000 ams (yes, it wasn't changed on time). All of the valves were bent and the tops of the pistons were dented.


I bought a replacement head on bay for $380 delivered from a guy in Quebec, and all of the replacement items (timing belt kit, head gasket set, etc) from rockauto. Total cost was just over $600. Not too bad when compared with $580 at the dealer just to do the timing belt service. My labor was free of course.


I never replaced the pistons. I very carefully filed away and sharp edges (read somewhere that they can create hotspots if not removed) making sure that i didn't allow any filing to get down the cylinder walls. I also was very careful to clean all cylinder bolt holes using a little funnel, brake cleaner, paper towels, and compressed air. I also used a thread chaser everywhere I could to minimize any problems with bad threads.


Let's hope it keeps running for a long time. I have to say that I've grown a little attached to this 2004 Aveo. It's not such a bad little car as some would have you believe. It just needs regular attention from time to time. Ignore it, and it will need a lot of attention in a short period of time.


Cheers!