10-09-2021, 06:56 PM
Mike, sorry if teaching to suck eggs, but basics first -
1. Have you checked both the head and block faces are FLAT? Especially look out for a hollow in the middle of the head.
2. Are you following the correct tightening sequence? n.b. I normally tighten in increments and go round the sequence at least 2 or 3 times.
3. Are you applying a suitable torque (~20lbft), with a torque wrench, engine COLD? (n.b. you don't mention what head you are using? Especially if an alloy type I suggest re-tightening after first run, but again, with the engine COLD).
4. Are you dressing the gasket with anything? I only ever use grease but others recommend various sealants.
You may well know all this, if so I'll shut up. But it troubles me that you have made a diagnosis without (visibly) eliminating other possibilities.
My block is cracked and weeps up the centre stud, but it does not blow head gaskets, so far at least.
I would not contemplate "filling" craters in the block surface with glues/fillers. A better course is either to lap it on a surface plate or to have it skimmed, until clean and flat; though be careful not to remove too much metal as it can cause other issues.
I sometimes wonder being #1 in the tightening sequence may be a factor in blocks cracking at this position - though I'd struggle to explain that with logic.
1. Have you checked both the head and block faces are FLAT? Especially look out for a hollow in the middle of the head.
2. Are you following the correct tightening sequence? n.b. I normally tighten in increments and go round the sequence at least 2 or 3 times.
3. Are you applying a suitable torque (~20lbft), with a torque wrench, engine COLD? (n.b. you don't mention what head you are using? Especially if an alloy type I suggest re-tightening after first run, but again, with the engine COLD).
4. Are you dressing the gasket with anything? I only ever use grease but others recommend various sealants.
You may well know all this, if so I'll shut up. But it troubles me that you have made a diagnosis without (visibly) eliminating other possibilities.
My block is cracked and weeps up the centre stud, but it does not blow head gaskets, so far at least.
I would not contemplate "filling" craters in the block surface with glues/fillers. A better course is either to lap it on a surface plate or to have it skimmed, until clean and flat; though be careful not to remove too much metal as it can cause other issues.
I sometimes wonder being #1 in the tightening sequence may be a factor in blocks cracking at this position - though I'd struggle to explain that with logic.