intake/head gaskets need replacing
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 572
Likes: 61
intake/head gaskets need replacing
L48 hasn't run for about 25 years. I just did the timing chain and dropped the oil pan to do the gasket. Should I pull the heads and intake manifold and replace those gaskets as well or are they usually ok if they are not disturbed?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 163
Depends. You could start it up and risk it, it's possible they aren't leaking. But you gotta think 25 year old rubber/silicone is probably cracked worn and shriveled a bit. Plus changing the head gasket will give you a good opporunity to inspect the bore and see how much wear there is,.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 707
Likes: 147
From: St. Petersburg Florida
Might as well change them. The parts are cheap enough. Wouldn't be a bad idea to change the valve stem seals while the heads are off. They have to be shot after sitting that long. Investing a little more time now will be worth it in the long run.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
There is a term for this. Its called: "While I'm At It" syndrome. Its starts small, then turns into more moola, more time.
There's never an end in site. Consider it return investments.
There's never an end in site. Consider it return investments.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Jun 25, 2018 at 06:39 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
Plus, the bores need a quicky sandpaper honing. Below pistons usually pretty good. Above pistons you get surface rust and sometimes pitting if a little water or coolant got in. You use the top ring to clean that rust off by starting it and you have a ring that is gummed up and stuck in it's ring groove. Then buy a valve spring compressor and clean up valve seats, check guides and replace seals.
Last edited by derekderek; Jun 25, 2018 at 07:01 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
. I wouldn't trust it with 450 lb big block springs.
Last edited by derekderek; Jun 25, 2018 at 08:28 PM.
