I have a 98 Cavalier 2.2 thats been overheating and im getting a misfire in cylinder 2. Today I decided to do a compression test (engine cold) which seemed to be fine. Then I did it again when the engine was hot and coolant started spitting from cylinder 2 when cranking. After shutting off the car the coolant came up and pooled in the spark plug well then after about 5 minutes it recessed back down into the hole. I had replaced the thermostat twice and for some reason neither would open (they opened in boiling water) . Also, my coolant had a gassy smell to it, and the heat coming through the vents smells like antifreeze as did the exhaust. I guess my question is does this sound more like a cracked head or failed gasket? I don't know why the T-stat wouldn't open either way though? I just don't know if its worth trying to fix depending on the problem and damage. Any help would be appreciated!! thank you!

Welcome to GM Forum! I've moved this thread to Chevrolet Mechanical & Maintenance, where the gearheads live.

take the head off and check. at first i would see with a strait edge on the head surface. if you dont see anything you could do two things, have it checked by a machine shop(and possibly machined) or get a used one from the jy. you'll have to research which is cheaper.

And if the coolant is getting in the oil, the bearings are not long for this world. If the car is in good shape, perhaps a low mileage used engine swap is feasible.

I just bought a '98 base 4dr with 90k that has the same issue. I'm thinking ( more like hoping) that its just the head gasket. I'll soon find out as I plan on removing the head this weekend.
Nice enough car for a '98, but its not worth putting in a new engine.

UPDATE: So I ended up buying a new head, gaskets, bolts and just got everything installed and fluids put back in. I'm not getting the white smoke out of the exhaust so no more coolant in the chambers but now i have water leaking out from where the gasket is by cylinder 1 I tightened the head bolts to the right specs and in order. I'm going to try today or Monday to tighten the bolts closest to the leak and hope it will stop.

was the head from the junk yard?

Maybe a bad O ring seal where the coolant cross over tube attaches at the head?

I had a bit of luck as well. The issue on my new to me '98 was just the head gasket.

No, I bought a brand new head and all. I'm going to try changing out the o-ring in the morning or hope maybe it just wasn't tightened enough. Glad to hear you got it worked out!

grats!!!