12-06-2018, 11:00 PM
Just to answer Ian's question from a very inexperienced contributor.
My head and block are definitely not flat in that they have not been skimmed in my 9 year ownership and show signs of 'rounding off' around holes. All of which has led to my decision to put together a new top end.
I have had 2 head gaskets go after about 1000 miles (both between 2 and 3). The second one went a few weeks ago, before which I noticed some bubbling around 2 studs, (not around 2-3).
On this second replacement I have taken more care to prepare and check. I added penetrating locktite stud sealer to the bubbling studs (they would nor move with reasonable force and i did not want to risk breakage) in case the water was coming up rather than tracking along the head.
On replacing the gasket I used blue hylomar on both sides. I torgued up, left overnight, torgued again, ran hot and torgued again. I then rechecked torque after 50 or so miles and found that I could tighten by about a quarter of a turn across the head.
Today, after 300 miles I torqued again and strangely 1,2 and 3 all took a further 1/8 turn to 20lb, all others were fine and took no more.
Not sure what that says but to note I do consider this to be a very tired top end and I just hope I have my replacement sorted out before it goes again.
Andy
My head and block are definitely not flat in that they have not been skimmed in my 9 year ownership and show signs of 'rounding off' around holes. All of which has led to my decision to put together a new top end.
I have had 2 head gaskets go after about 1000 miles (both between 2 and 3). The second one went a few weeks ago, before which I noticed some bubbling around 2 studs, (not around 2-3).
On this second replacement I have taken more care to prepare and check. I added penetrating locktite stud sealer to the bubbling studs (they would nor move with reasonable force and i did not want to risk breakage) in case the water was coming up rather than tracking along the head.
On replacing the gasket I used blue hylomar on both sides. I torgued up, left overnight, torgued again, ran hot and torgued again. I then rechecked torque after 50 or so miles and found that I could tighten by about a quarter of a turn across the head.
Today, after 300 miles I torqued again and strangely 1,2 and 3 all took a further 1/8 turn to 20lb, all others were fine and took no more.
Not sure what that says but to note I do consider this to be a very tired top end and I just hope I have my replacement sorted out before it goes again.
Andy
Enjoy yourself, it's later than you think!