I have a 2.2 L engine that is putting oil in the coolant reservoir. I realize there are a couple of reasons for this but I have regular coloured oil and it will smoke white while cold but once it's warm it goes away except under load ie. uphill or giving it gas. I believe it's the head gasket but I would like o be sure. The last time I ran into this type of problem I did the gasket ....tried a used head and it still smoked but the oil was milky all they way through so the engine was cooked . Any help regarding the correct diagnoses would be greatly appreciated!

White smoke = coolant being burned. The 95-97 2.2 LN2 OHV engines are notorious for blowing head gaskets. Thats why they were a short lived design. The 98-02 base models all had the 2.2 LN4 OHV and there were multiple upgrades. So yea, change your head gasket and you should be golden buddy.

Thanx but how do I know the head isn't cracked? what am i looking for?

A. It's the head gasket, that is the only way for oil to reach the coolant.
B. Have the head checked by a machine shop (most good parts store can help w/ this) if it is not flat, it will do the same thing again.
C. How many miles, if the eng is high milage, I would replace the eng w/ a good salavage yard, w/ less miles.

Good luck

Ok the design of this motor lets oil and coolant passages to come very close to each other were ther head meets the block. I had the EXACT problem with my 90 cavy (I do all my own work) head gasket is the common problem. I have 364k on this motor and it's still freakin strong motor these things DONT DIE. It's not worth killing so keep it. If your close to me I will do the head for you and have it checked out and every thing. Any local NAPA will probly check the head.