Pontiac Repair: pontiac grand am. Water leaking at the head, interference engine, dodge neon

Question
QUESTION: hello how are u well i have a SPECS 98 pontiac grand am se 3.1 engine well i parked my car and it was fine and when i got done shoping i came back and it wouldnt start. i got the car back home and i tried to start it and the i seen water shoot out the head bolt.well i checked the compresion and the number 2 cylinder had 120 psi and the 4th had 60 and water shooting out the spark plug hole and the 6 had water shooting out it also. is this a headgasket or cracked head and plz help me out and thank u for everything

ANSWER: Hi
It could be either one.
I would suspect the Head cracked, though.
If going to repair, I would get a second opinion, and consider either an entire engine rebuild, or a used Salvage yard engine.
Good Luck
Hope this helps.
Follow post back, if needed.
Pawl

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QUESTION: well im going to tear in to this engine and check it out and do u think its worth putting a head on it cause i got it for free and i done a head gasket change on a dodge neon and its doing well i have put 50 000 miles on it i guess i done something right lol also if it jumped time does it have clearance that it wouldnt do damage and give me your take on it and maybe give me a price range on options i can do and thank u again pawl

Answer
Hi
sounds like you got it together!! Thats GREAT.
I would advice having the head checked, just to be safe, should only cost $25.00-$50.00 per head.
Other than that it is pretty straightforward .
Only item to be EXTRA careful of is the Push rods ARE DIFFERENT intake and exhaust. So be REALLY careful and keep them marked or however you need to to remember EXACT location.
I never had one jump time so I honestly cannot say if this is an interference engine.
I honestly think you could come out of this WAY under $200.00 depending on head work you have preformed.
I hope this helps, and please feel free to follow post back if needed.
Good Luck
Pawl