The Ford Barn

ctvpa · 11-30-2013, 11:02 AM

I see several threads regarding head gaskets. When people identify water contamination in the oil, some say the dipstick shows full to the top, and they drain water, antifreeze out of the crankcase.

Many people respond by instructing them to re-torque the head.

This is a concern to me. My feeling is, if you have an identified contamination, then the inner core of the gasket has a failure. This missing inner core now leaves a void. My fear is when you torque the head, with an area with a definite void, would applying so much force you can warp or crack the head, causing even more problems?

My thought would be to play it safe, if you see a problem, change the head gasket. They are not a huge investment, while my head and engine are. I keep a gasket in my tool box. So far, never had to use it, but I have had one when several others have needed it.

Any thoughts ?

11-30-2013, 11:02 AM	#1
ctvpa Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 479	Head Gasket question I see several threads regarding head gaskets. When people identify water contamination in the oil, some say the dipstick shows full to the top, and they drain water, antifreeze out of the crankcase. Many people respond by instructing them to re-torque the head. This is a concern to me. My feeling is, if you have an identified contamination, then the inner core of the gasket has a failure. This missing inner core now leaves a void. My fear is when you torque the head, with an area with a definite void, would applying so much force you can warp or crack the head, causing even more problems? My thought would be to play it safe, if you see a problem, change the head gasket. They are not a huge investment, while my head and engine are. I keep a gasket in my tool box. So far, never had to use it, but I have had one when several others have needed it. Any thoughts ?