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02-13-2023, 06:29 PM | #1 |
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Location: Western NC
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Strange head gasket issue
I found this today. 1200 miles since rebuild, no leaks, car runs great. Snyder 5.5 head.
It looks like the core of the head gasket is squeezing out at the rear. The copper is still in place. What causes this? Thoughts or suggestions? I am not excited about taking a freshly rebuilt engine apart and definitely don't want this to happen again. Thanks guys
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02-13-2023, 07:12 PM | #2 |
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Re: Strange head gasket issue
You need to check head and block for flatness. No choice but to remove head. Most people don’t like the black gaskets because they’re hard to remove. However I think they do a better job of sealing. IMO
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02-13-2023, 07:34 PM | #3 |
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Re: Strange head gasket issue
I have heard of things like this. My engine shop said that some of the gaskets being sold are of such construction that they continually need retorquing. When he said that the first thing I thought about was what if a person has a high compression head...
I think you will find you need to pull that head off and get a felpro gasket. |
02-13-2023, 08:51 PM | #4 |
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Re: Strange head gasket issue
Newly rebuilt engines need to be retorqued several or more times during break in and routinely thereafter. This should be done when the engine is cold, not warm. The head could be as mentioned out of flatness. Head flatness should be .005" or less. Your head gasket needs to be replaced. This should be done by the rebuilder at no charge.
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02-13-2023, 09:05 PM | #5 |
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Re: Strange head gasket issue
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02-14-2023, 08:27 AM | #6 |
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Re: Strange head gasket issue
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A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past. |
02-14-2023, 12:01 PM | #7 |
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Re: Strange head gasket issue
plus me on what kaminar said that has worked well on several high compression flat head engines in the past for me
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02-14-2023, 12:12 PM | #8 |
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Re: Strange head gasket issue
I have seen a brand new head that was warped. Always check any head for level before installing.
Best Brand head gasket and copper spray always worked for me. Spray the head gasket with copper spray, let it sit a few minutes until tacky, spray again, and install. |
02-15-2023, 05:56 PM | #9 |
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Re: Strange head gasket issue
It was a new head. I retorqued the head as directed at 50 miles, 100 miles and 500 miles. I ordered the Best gasket and will dig into it next week. Very curious what I find. Thanks for the suggestions guys
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02-17-2023, 05:44 PM | #10 |
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Re: Strange head gasket issue
I use the Best gasket and copper spray 5.5 head so far no trouble torque it run it get it warm then retorque and drive it
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02-18-2023, 09:29 AM | #11 | |
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Re: Strange head gasket issue
Quote:
To Date every one we've purchased for customers engines has been warped/distorted,poorly machined. I would remove the cylinder head and make a visit to the local machine shop and have them resurface it along with what everyone else has mentioned and you'll be in good shape. www.jandm-machine.com |
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02-18-2023, 11:20 AM | #12 | |
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Re: Strange head gasket issue
Quote:
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03-03-2023, 10:34 AM | #13 |
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Location: Western NC
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Re: Strange head gasket issue
I had time to remove the head today. It came apart easily and I cleaned the block & head with carb cleaner and a microfiber towel. There is a dark line on the block that bothers me a bit. It extends from the stud towards the water jacket. A ran a pick gently across it and don't feel anything. Anything to be concerned about?
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03-03-2023, 03:55 PM | #14 |
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Re: Strange head gasket issue
Hard to say from the picture but it does not look like a crack to me. Cracks typically propagate from the exhaust seat.
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03-03-2023, 05:47 PM | #15 |
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Re: Strange head gasket issue
Check flatness of head. One way is to to just place in on the block and see if a 0.002 feeler gauge will fit in anywhere. If it does, then the head is not flat. (Or block is not flat.)
Use the Best graphite gasket with the copper spray gasket sealer. Follow the torque recommendations.
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A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past. |
03-03-2023, 06:45 PM | #16 | |
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Location: Western NC
Posts: 213
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Re: Strange head gasket issue
Quote:
Snyders says torque the head to 55, the builder says 60. What do you guys use?
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03-03-2023, 07:21 PM | #17 |
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Re: Strange head gasket issue
I think the way Terry Burtz says to check this head and block would work good.
Oiled Plastigage should be used to verify cylinder head flatness before wasting a head gasket and having to spend the time to clean the resulting mess from a failed head gasket. Place short pieces of oiled Plastigage around various locations on the cylinder block, install the head and tighten the nuts to 20 lb-ft in increments not exceeding 10 lb-ft as described in “Head Torque” below. Remove the head and measure the Plastigage. If your head is not within 0.002 inch of being flat, it will need to be resurfaced. |
03-03-2023, 07:40 PM | #18 | |
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Re: Strange head gasket issue
Quote:
I usually re-torque my head every 1000 miles while waiting for the oil to drain. Overkill for sure. Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 03-03-2023 at 07:50 PM. |
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