second head gasget leaking
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 462
Likes: 21
From: Kansas City Missouri
yeah, I just bought a gasket kit with everything that I needed. Figured they would work fine. :o(
I don't think my bolts came with washers. Is there a particular washer or size that you would recommend?
That was the passenger head that was leaking like that.
I don't think my bolts came with washers. Is there a particular washer or size that you would recommend?
That was the passenger head that was leaking like that.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,866
Likes: 60
From: Hellinois
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
Washers are a good idea on any head but they are especially important on aluminum heads. What brand bolts did you buy? If they were ARP they would have the washers. If you bought an off brand maybe they are too long. If you still have the old bolts, compare them for length to the new bolts. Whatever brand they are the same company should make the proper washer for their bolts. I wouldn't even consider putting aluminum heads on an engine without washers on the bolts.
I have personally ran into a dirty bolt hole causing a problem, the torque wrench says the torque is proper but I could still spin the washer on the bolt. I've been wrong many times and may be again but I am sticking to the false reading theory. One other thing, there is nothing wrong with Fel-Pro gaskets I use nothing but and have never had a failure. What brand gasket set did you buy? Also, is there any chance you had some wiring or something pinched between the head & block?
I have personally ran into a dirty bolt hole causing a problem, the torque wrench says the torque is proper but I could still spin the washer on the bolt. I've been wrong many times and may be again but I am sticking to the false reading theory. One other thing, there is nothing wrong with Fel-Pro gaskets I use nothing but and have never had a failure. What brand gasket set did you buy? Also, is there any chance you had some wiring or something pinched between the head & block?
Last edited by Midnight 85; May 7, 2011 at 12:32 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 462
Likes: 21
From: Kansas City Missouri
I can't find anything with teflon that will fit my application, but I did find these. They say they are for aluminum heads and corvettes.....Thoughts?
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...ad+gasket+-+gm
I can't get back to work on it for another week, so I won't be able to update you on progress for a bit yet.
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...ad+gasket+-+gm
I can't get back to work on it for another week, so I won't be able to update you on progress for a bit yet.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,866
Likes: 60
From: Hellinois
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
Re-read PeteK's post just above your last one. The gasket he mentions is the very same gasket I have used on all my race engines and is what is presently on my Vette engine which is a 383 with 11:1 compression. The gasket you listed is overkill but if spending the extra $$$ makes you feel better then go for it.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,221
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
What brand bolts did you buy? If they were ARP they would have the washers. If you bought an off brand maybe they are too long. If you still have the old bolts, compare them for length to the new bolts. Whatever brand they are the same company should make the proper washer for their bolts. I wouldn't even consider putting aluminum heads on an engine without washers on the bolts.
I have personally ran into a dirty bolt hole causing a problem, the torque wrench says the torque is proper but I could still spin the washer on the bolt. I've been wrong many times and may be again but I am sticking to the false reading theory.
I have personally ran into a dirty bolt hole causing a problem, the torque wrench says the torque is proper but I could still spin the washer on the bolt. I've been wrong many times and may be again but I am sticking to the false reading theory.
Check Star Performance (Lenexa) for performance parts (including most head gaskets). Noland Cylinder Head Service if you need the heads double-checked.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,272
Likes: 17
I agree with the previous posters, its been my experiance that you use a dry OE gasket, or you should've took the heads and got them at least surfaced. the money you spend for the fancy gaskets would have been better spent getting the surfaces right.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,221
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
I can't find anything with teflon that will fit my application, but I did find these. They say they are for aluminum heads and corvettes.....Thoughts?
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...ad+gasket+-+gm
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...ad+gasket+-+gm
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,221
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,221
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Some even like that .015" shim. Theoretically correct for acheiving .040" quench but seems awfully thin. Checking to see how far you're down in the hole would be worthwhile.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 462
Likes: 21
From: Kansas City Missouri
We used parts cleaner to clean out every hole, so thats why I am hesitant to think there was still crud in there.....although very much a possibility. I will peek at the block next week and look over the bolts to see what they are. I guess we will go from there.
on another note.....so it seems most of you agree that the regular cheap gasket should have been fine???
on another note.....so it seems most of you agree that the regular cheap gasket should have been fine???
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,866
Likes: 60
From: Hellinois
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
Parts cleaner will NOT begin to clean the threads, use a thread chaser.
As far as what gaskets to use, you are going to get many "opinions" and they all may be right but I have used the plain Fel-Pro blue head gaskets in my 11:1 383, my 12.5:1 350 in my old drag Vega, my 13:1 800+ horse Crower injected 454 in my Chevelle and two other engines for friends that had 6:71 blowers on them.
Clean the threads, check block & heads for flatness, get whatever gaskets you want & bolt it together.
As far as what gaskets to use, you are going to get many "opinions" and they all may be right but I have used the plain Fel-Pro blue head gaskets in my 11:1 383, my 12.5:1 350 in my old drag Vega, my 13:1 800+ horse Crower injected 454 in my Chevelle and two other engines for friends that had 6:71 blowers on them.
Clean the threads, check block & heads for flatness, get whatever gaskets you want & bolt it together.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee WI
How'd you get the block that clean? I'd love to use scotch-brite pads but I am very concerned with metal dust in the cylinders.
Thanks,
Lucky Kid
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,082
Likes: 50
From: Palmdale CA
I completely drain the block...so it can be blown out later! I carefully wipe all surface's with an Alcohol soaked rag to remove oils and antifreeze. And then, Very, Very Carfully (Razor blade) remove carbon build up from the pistons. I pack the cylinders with rags, and cover the deck surface's I'm not cleaning at the time.
I use a R/H Die grinder fitted with a soft abraisive wheel..for finishing & cleaning (medium) #46325A647 http://www.mcmaster.com/#nylon-mesh-...-discs/=ce81aw
I vacuum all debri, and with an WD40 soaked rag wipe cylinder walls to remove particles.
It's a tedious procees, but worth it...
