Rivets - Head Gasket Rivets - 2011 Aveo - Remove before installing

[LJPatzius]

Hi guys,

I'm new here, so hello! I own a 2011 Aveo 1.6L with 88, 000 miles.

I just finished replacing the head gasket for the second time. The first replacement lasted 10, 000 miles.

Upon reinstalltion of a new gasket (for the 2nd time), I was extremely cautious of every step of the way! Especially this time!

So, what I found is, that the new head gasket rivets interfere with the mating surfaces of the engine assembly! Especially the two rivets on the side opposite of the 2 head bolt guide pins.

So I took a needle nose and removed the rivets by pinching in the split fingers on the underside.

I feel so much better now that the rivets are removed!!! The engine assembly went without a hitch, and started right up on the first try.

The purpose of my post is that I'm hoping others will be able to search "rivet removal" when replacing their head gaskets!

Hope this helps!

Lee

[06T200]

Just curious LJ, did you use new head bolts on the first replacement, or do you reuse them?

[LJPatzius]

Just curious LJ, did you use new head bolts on the first replacement, or do you reuse them?

Hello! Sorry so late with response. Yes, I used new head bolts each time, and performed initial torque (18ft lbs) plus rotation specs as found on this site. I used a white paint marker to keep tract of the rotation (60-60-60-10 degrees).

The head bolts were the most expensive items, I paid $13.81 each (x10) from Johhny Londoff Chevrolet dealer.

[06T200]

Ouch, those are expensive! Thanks for the tip Lee, I will have to keep an eye on the new gasket in my LS, did not know this could be a problem.

[Daox]

Felpro head bolts with washers are $34 plus shipping on rockauto.com.

You can get OEM, but the dealership is going to take their cut (which is apparently 3X retail price).