I got a question about head gaskets
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From: waupun wi
I got a question about head gaskets
i just got a 1990 chevy corvette, and not even a week later, the head gasket blew. I got it fixed and was wondering how likely it would be for that to happen again, and how long i wait before i start to beat on the car again.
Pro
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Originally Posted by waupungk1
i just got a 1990 chevy corvette, and not even a week later, the head gasket blew. I got it fixed and was wondering how likely it would be for that to happen again, and how long i wait before i start to beat on the car again.
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
It can also be caused by decay from cooling system neglect. Flush and change your antifreeze every year or two at the most and you'll prevent most cooling system problems.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Orlando FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
the L98 rule of thumb is "you will blow a head gasket every 100K miles"
Mine blew right at 107K miles.
several other preople on the forum's blew around that same mark...100K, 120K, etc.
the L98 runs HOT, which is not good for head gaskets, thus the constant blowouts. you should be good for another 100K miles
Mine blew right at 107K miles.
several other preople on the forum's blew around that same mark...100K, 120K, etc.
the L98 runs HOT, which is not good for head gaskets, thus the constant blowouts. you should be good for another 100K miles
Le Mans Master
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From: San Diego, Ca
Common problem on early aluminum head motors with GM addressing the issue with a Service Bulletin in Nov '89 and redesign (didn't make it into production until '91). Some (from some of the litigation I viewed and I'm pretty sure mine were) were leaking shortly after the cars left the Factory. Assuming you're using a head gasket that won't allow galvanic corrosion to occur between the aluminum head and iron block, things should be better. However, it also depends on how long it was leaking as that corrosion often carves a valley in the deck which unless resurfaced (some can't be), will lead to another failure. Coolant in the oil pan is also hard on the bearings. Assuming yours was caused by galvanic corrosion and failed at the usual location - rear of the block, you might also want to make sure the radiator and heater core (it usually goes first) aren't plugged up. Coolant temps should be checked with a scanner to make sure they're within operating range and if they're not, investigated further.
Former Vendor
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From: St Marys PA
A good practice if the heads were off would have been to have someone fly cut them to make sure the surface was perfectly flat...it would have resulted in a little more compression that would assist in more power too.
A little advice for ANYONE replacing head gaskets is to get and use MARINE style gaskets. These are the ones used in marine application and come in all the normal sized. However because these gaskets are to be used in salt water and other more harsh enviroments - they are MUCH better and will withstand a TON more than ordinary gaskets. THey are about 2x as much, but I have YET to have a head gasket problem and when I have had them off, they look like they are brand new. THey will take a HUGE beating and remain unblemished.
A little advice for ANYONE replacing head gaskets is to get and use MARINE style gaskets. These are the ones used in marine application and come in all the normal sized. However because these gaskets are to be used in salt water and other more harsh enviroments - they are MUCH better and will withstand a TON more than ordinary gaskets. THey are about 2x as much, but I have YET to have a head gasket problem and when I have had them off, they look like they are brand new. THey will take a HUGE beating and remain unblemished.
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From: waupun wi
thanks guys...that sounds good..the engine in my car is the lt1..and lol im 16 years old..so i just wanted to know what was gonna happen..my brother is going to ohio tech right now in Ohio and said to take it easy for a lil while..but its been over 500 miles already..and no leaks and no overheating at all...i also have another ?...what kind of exhaust is a good one to have for my car...i want a performance exhaust without costing a whole lot...my stock exhaust is going to ****...FAST and it sound horrible...with this annoying screetching sound...let me know your thoughts..thanks