Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Help Please!! Head Gasket!!

Collapse
X
Collapse
 
  • Page of 1
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
Previous template Next
    #1

    Help Please!! Head Gasket!!

    I broke a rocker arm at a recent track event and went through the whole replacement procedure without removing the head. I went to start it up for the first time and there was steam coming out of the exhaust, which I expected since I had to loosen the head bolts to slide the rocker arm shaft out. The problem was, it didn't go away after 10 minutes of running the car.

    I had followed the proper tightening sequence of the head bolts (22 ft-lb, wait 15 min, turn 90 deg more) so I thought maybe the final 90 degrees would be enough to stop the leak. Sure enough, it wasn't. The car still steamed just as bad.

    Any advice on what to check/do before pulling the head to replace the gasket?

    What a frusterating project! Any advice/help is greatly appreciated!

    Thanks!
    Tags: None
    #2
    did you use new head bolts when you put it all back together?

    Comment

      #3
      No, I didn't replace the head bolts and I broke one of them when I was doing the final 90 degree turn, so I had to buy a new set and just replaced that one.

      I know that's kinda the half-ass way to do it, but I didn't feel like replacing them all and changing the coolant and oil again. I guess this is what I get!

      Comment

        #4
        If you loosened more than one head bolt at a time, the gasket seal failed and it has to be replaced. As pointed out, once brought to final torque a head bolt must be replaced.

        I'm a bit lost on why you removed the head bolts as that just isn't necessary in order to remove a rocker shaft unless you are removing the head.
        The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
        Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL

        Comment

          #5
          Yup new headgasket time. Plus if you broke a rocker are you not worried about a bent valve or guide?
          sigpic"If one does not fail at times, then one has not challenged himself." -Ferdinand Porsche
          The ugly car: http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=209713

          Comment

            #6
            I'd do a compression test before you tear into it just for the hell of it, but definitely time for hg and new bolts.
            Your signature picture has been removed since it contained the Photobucket "upgrade your account" image.

            IX being restored here

            Ix turbo build here

            Comment

              #7
              I have heard of people reusing head bolts and not having too many issues but have never tried my luck. Sounds like torque-to-yield wins this one.

              Also... did you follow a de-torquing procedure for bolt "loosening" on the initial run at this project?

              Comment

                #8
                I've put on a lot of heads and reused the bolts but knowing what I know now, it's simply not worth it. Sounds like you played your odds and lost this time.
                It's cheap insurance $30/bolts $20/hg (pelicanparts)

                Comment

                  #9
                  Originally posted by mikey30 View Post
                  No, I didn't replace the head bolts and I broke one of them when I was doing the final 90 degree turn, so I had to buy a new set and just replaced that one.

                  I know that's kinda the half-ass way to do it, but I didn't feel like replacing them all and changing the coolant and oil again. I guess this is what I get!
                  humility is the greatest teacher. (Grin)

                  You didn't have to remove the head bolts as mentioned; however, since you did, the question remains did you untighten the head bolts in the sequence outlined while the engine was "cold?" and you should have installed all the new head bolts in sequence as well.

                  I would strongly suggest removing the head, get it checked replace any necessary bent valves -broken rockers and get it resurfaced as you may have warped it. Replace the head gasket as well.

                  It is in our haste that we make poor decisions. :-)
                  sigpic

                  Comment

                  Previous template Next
                  Working...
                  X