The Ford Barn

slowforty · 10-24-2015, 03:11 AM

I recently had a Head Gasket go bad on my 40.
Is there any easy way to tell which side is bad?
I know that I should search the Forum but it is 3 am and I am too old and tired.
Thanks
Roger

flatheadmurre · 10-24-2015, 03:41 AM

Depends a bit on whats wrong

If the coolant goes into the combustionchambers checking the plugs.

JWL · 10-24-2015, 07:21 AM

If I have diagnosed the behavior as a bad gasket, and there is no intelligence available I first remove the plugs and check the compression. These things will usually give me a clue.

It might be important to know why the gasket went away. Often it can be traced to low fastener torque values. Usually because re-torque agendas have been ignored. This might indicate a need for changing BOTH gaskets, checking for head and block flatness, cleanliness, and using proper torque and re-torque procedures.

I will add the cautionary note to avoid thinking the fastener tightening torque should be elevated to make the gasket sealing "better". Never more than 50 ft. lbs.!!

JSeery · 10-24-2015, 07:22 AM

Compression test?

slowforty · 10-24-2015, 12:38 PM

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Thanks for your information
Started the 40 and you can smell the anti-freeze on one dual.{DUH}
Sometimes I think I am my own worst enemy.
That is why I do most of my own work.
Why pay someone to screw up my car when I can do a better job myself.

10-24-2015, 03:11 AM	#1
slowforty Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Tinley Park Ill Posts: 1,178	Another Head Gasket question I recently had a Head Gasket go bad on my 40. Is there any easy way to tell which side is bad? I know that I should search the Forum but it is 3 am and I am too old and tired. Thanks Roger

10-24-2015, 03:41 AM	#2
flatheadmurre Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Sweden Posts: 3,045	Re: Another Head Gasket question Depends a bit on whats wrong If the coolant goes into the combustionchambers checking the plugs.

10-24-2015, 07:21 AM	#3
JWL Member Emeritus Join Date: May 2010 Location: Fitzgerald, Georgia Posts: 2,204	Re: Another Head Gasket question If I have diagnosed the behavior as a bad gasket, and there is no intelligence available I first remove the plugs and check the compression. These things will usually give me a clue. It might be important to know why the gasket went away. Often it can be traced to low fastener torque values. Usually because re-torque agendas have been ignored. This might indicate a need for changing BOTH gaskets, checking for head and block flatness, cleanliness, and using proper torque and re-torque procedures. I will add the cautionary note to avoid thinking the fastener tightening torque should be elevated to make the gasket sealing "better". Never more than 50 ft. lbs.!! Last edited by JWL; 10-24-2015 at 07:25 AM. Reason: add info

10-24-2015, 07:22 AM	#4
JSeery Member Emeritus Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 16,132	Re: Another Head Gasket question Compression test?

10-24-2015, 12:38 PM	#5
slowforty Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Tinley Park Ill Posts: 1,178	Re: Another Head Gasket question Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Thanks for your information Started the 40 and you can smell the anti-freeze on one dual.{DUH} Sometimes I think I am my own worst enemy. That is why I do most of my own work. Why pay someone to screw up my car when I can do a better job myself.