Which compression ist that?
 

Good Morning.

My A sadly had some bubbeling water (once hot) as well as little
smoke out of bubbeling Water (not to be seen in the video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47P5tPXwS84

As so, i took out the head to do a new gasket.

4 days of hard work (even lifting whole car with the engine lift).
Worst thing i ever had to do on this car.

Now i dont know about the head.
Is that a head with 5.5 compression (as i suspect)?
I did a lot of search but couldnt find pics (to compare).

Is it recommended to use a "modern" gasket with silicone here?

Thank you very much in advance.

Christoph

Re: Which compression ist that?
 

...and as i just want to learn....

what are those small holes for ????
:o

Re: Which compression ist that?
 

The holes are for water and steam. It is a higher than original compression head. Some of the venders recommend a model B head gasket for a "high compression" head. I have used both A and B gaskets. JB

Re: Which compression ist that?
 

Thank you so far !

Sadly - No markings on the top of the head

Will go into deeper investigation regarding small holes.
Tried some air-pressure-testing and two of them seem
to be blogged against the water-channels in the head.
Will drill something inside to find out about....

Thank you

Re: Which compression ist that?
 

Can you post a picture of the top of the head.

Re: Which compression ist that?
 

Is it just me, or is your water pump mounted upside down?

Re: Which compression ist that?
 

It is you :-)

Re: Which compression ist that?
 

Ha ha! Figures.. That isn't unusual...

Re: Which compression ist that?
 

Looks. upside down to me also. Smiley face.

Re: Which compression ist that?
 

Well

water pump is upside-dow. Which is good, as head is upside down too....
:D

No sorry for trying to be funny.
I agree - this pic appears strange.

Find another pic from "the days of demounting"

You might find the water-pump to be mounted correct .

Head was "frozen" and refused my request so....

I started with a carpet-knife and cutting away all of the gasket.
Then used a scraper (and hammered it in..)
Then a sceond....
In this pic you find 7 of them :eek:

Every mm of lifting the head was some task :(

Its true - You have to find new words to get the head off

Good thing : Head and engine did survive

Will investigate regarding a good pic of the top of the head

Re: Which compression ist that?
 

in reply to your answer on gaskets. Best Gasket Company makes a head gasket that has a strong black inner gasket covered in copper. These gaskets are earning a reputation for quality and durability. Your head probably requires a "B" gasket instead of one for an "A".

I am still seeing folks having trouble with the silicone gaskets although I have seen and used many with good results. Those require very frequent torquing for quite some time after installation. Additionally, the first run of the silicone gaskets had the red, water sealing strip misplaced through the center, driver's side, water port instead of around it. These are notorious for leaking. There are still some around being sold, so Caveat Emptor. If you buy one, get it from the source, which is Snyder's.

Always set a new gasket on the head to check for fit before installing it. You will be amazed how many do not fit exactly right.

Re: Which compression ist that?
 

today we found

2 passages to be blocked.

Im pretty sure, the left (which i called to be clogged)

we managed to drill it to release the very strong plug inside...

guess why the head-gasket collapsed.

Re: Which compression ist that?
 

Could you show us picture of gasket that was on head when removed ?
Could this be a higher comp/more modern head, as it looks maybe so ?
BTW, congratulations on getting the head off without breaking it :)! As they are cast, I've broken older heads with this method you used.
And, CHECK now that there may be gouges on head and block surface....reguiring resurfacing for positive sealing.
Regarding your question as to using silly cone gasket. I'd use copper-coat, on both sides of new copper gasket. Also you can put a bit of copper coat around each cylinder and let it tack up before installing gasket. I usually put several head studs in loosely to guide gasket, as when it is tacky....you want the FIRST try to properly locate gasket to succeed.

BTW..Pay attn. to what Pat says above, regarding sillycone type head gaskets. My experience matches his in this respect !!

Re: Which compression ist that?
 

Pat
I hold different new gaskets an im not sure which to use.
Actually i dont like the looks of the ones with silicone.
There is not enough silicone and it is VERY close to the
passages (both - water and studs)

I suppose, the silicone will slip into the passages rather
than seal them.

Next point:
3 of the studs are found to be repaired with heli-coil
i guess the studs are not in correct direction and
this is why its so hard to demount the head. :eek:
is it possible to make passages somewhat wider to
make mounting easier?

Re: Which compression ist that?
 

Thank you hardtimes
There was a silicone-gasket, but it was totally
destroyed while demounting the head.


luckily, the surfaces of block and head are still ok

Re: Which compression ist that?
 

found a better pic and i think the gasket was gone
arround the clogged water-passage

Re: Which compression ist that?
 

For your information, there is a 'newer/different' repair that is better/stronger than heli-coil. Getting old and can not retrieve the name at this exact moment. Used it on two of my B short block recently. Idea is, if you have crooked studs, maybe you can remove these coils and start over with this other anchor process.
Some guys have recommended slightly bending :eek: the studs in place to make them more vertical , but this is not an option for me ,eh :)

BTW..have you tried to CC the head to determine compression ratio ?

Re: Which compression ist that?
 

Re: Which compression ist that?
 

I always drill the head holes 1/64" oversize, to make the head drop on easier & it helps get rid of any rust deposits. Make SURE your studs are clean, so's you don't scrape off any rust that will fall on the new gasket:eek:
Bill W.

Re: Which compression ist that?
 

THANK you very much Bill

This makes me confident, that i did right.
I oversizied the head-holes a bit .
I didnt change things at this all nice and sticky new silicone-gasket

Re-assambly was "a dream"

Im very confident that all went ok.
Still couldnt re-install the exhaust
Wont have time next days but i dont care
Stress is gone

Thank you again
Best regards
Christoph