Gasket replacement Project

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Jan 5, 2011 | 12:58 PM

vietvette 77

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 24

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From: Sergeant Bluff Iowa

Gasket replacement Project

I'm going to fix all the leaks in my 350 this winter. This will mean gasket replacemtents including new head gaskets. I've heard I will need to pull the pistons. Sounds a bit radical. I will pull the engine and take the top and bottom apart, but pull the pistons??

Thanks

vietvette

Jan 5, 2011 | 01:07 PM

81pilot

Drifting

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 1,635

Likes: 8

From: Enid Oklahoma

Quote:

Originally Posted by vietvette 77

If all you are doing is trying to fix leaks, there really should be no reason to replace the head gaskets unless you have a head gasket problem, which would manifest itself in worse ways than an annoying leak. I am sure valve cover and pan gaskets and even intake maybe(maybe rear main seal too) If you do intend to pull the heads there is no reason to pull the pistons. However if you are pulling the engine and dismanteling it, why not rebuild it while it is out(then you will need to pull the pistons)? You will be half way there with the engine out and heads off.

Jan 6, 2011 | 12:12 AM

vettehardt

Burning Brakes

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 1,090

Likes: 74

From: New Carlisle IN

Oil leaks or coolant leaks?

For oil leaks, change the oil pan gasket(felpro one piece), valve cove gaskets, and seal the end of the intake with rtv. If you really need to, change out your main seals.

For coolant leaks, change intake gaskets, thermostat housing gasket, and water pump gaskets. You may also need to replace your freeze plugs, but don't do that unless they are leaking.

There's no reason to change head gaskets unless you are finding coolant in the oil or oil in the coolant. Also to change head gaskets all you need to do is pull the heads, no need to do anything below that.

Jan 6, 2011 | 01:34 AM

noonie

Race Director

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 14,112

Likes: 28

From: Florida

Important to change the valve seals, easier if heads are off, then may as well have the heads lightly gone over depending on mileage, especiallt if engine is out.
Change to brass freeze plugs.
Your choice.

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