Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Copper head gasket

[ThrottleJockey]

Anybody familiar with the wire size and groove dimensions (head and block) for a fire ring type set up? Puttimg twins on an ETH. 105 thou. wire? 120? . 120 wide groove cut . 030 deep? I'd like to use a . 030 over copper headgasket.



Thanks for the help.

 

[Battering Ram]

I installed Haisley Machine's fire ring's less than a month ago and I can't tell you how nice of a setup it is. Uses mild steel rings and the stock gasket with the fire ring removed. There are some really good pics and more info on this thread:



http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/yabbse/index.php?board=7;action=display;threadid=18103;start=75



Also you can see the rings, studs, and gaskets on Van Haisley's site here:



http://www.haisleymachine.com/Head Gaskets & Studs.htm



This setup will hold more psi than copper and you wont have to worry about leaks!

 

[ThrottleJockey]

Thank you , Battering Ram



That looks awesome, gonna sign up for a set up like that! Won't have to worry about for a while.

 

[Pat@BD]

You might want to do your research on the copper headgasket. In the racecar that I crew on we have had nothing but problems with the copper gaskets. In our "Silver Bullet" 02 Dodge we used the Oring with a stock head gasket and it held very well. Just my . 02.

 

[ThrottleJockey]

kantdrive55



A lot of people who make BIG horse power agree with you.

I'll do more research on lowering the compression on my ETH. Thanks!



Brian

 

[Huff N Puff]

On the subject of lowering your compression

You may run into hard start situations in cold weather. Merv

 

[ThrottleJockey]

I was thinking of dropping to 14. 5 to 1.



Too low?



Why does cold weather make a low comp. 5. 9 hard to start?



Thanks, Brian

 

[HillCountrykid]

Since it's a diesel, it uses compression to ignite the air/fuel. With lower compression, the air is'nt compessed as much, making less heat. So if there is cold air outside, it makes it that much more difficult to heat the air/fuel to the point where it will ignite good.



When it does start, it'll smoke just sitting there at idle too. Even in warmer weather, and a warm engine, most low comp. engines put out a haze at idle from low combustion temperatures.



Brian

 

[ThrottleJockey]

Ahh, I see! Thank you! So this . 020 over headgasket I'm holding SHOULD'NT be put on?



What's a good compression ratio for a 5. 9 with RETARDED timing? (24 valve HO with a Blue Chip FMS)

 

[MCummings]

Lower compression will also make less bottom end power.



Personally, I would run a fire ring, Head studs, and stock compression.



Merrick Cummings Jr

 

[HillCountrykid]

I'm no expert by any means, but using the thicker head gasket won't drop it enough to do what I've described. To get that low of compression, people usually have swapped in 15~ish to 1 pistons.



Some of the diesel tractors used in sled pulling have really low comp. pistons, maybe 10 or lower to 1. They need it this low so they can run insane boost (I think up to 200 psi). With the comp. so low, they have to start them with ether.

 

[Huff N Puff]

You need to be careful

When comparing tractors running 200lbs of boost and daily drivers that have gear reduction starters that are limited on cranking speed. You may need every bit of compression on a really cold day with a really cold battery. Merv

 

[Snow man]

since you have an ETH and high compression already. Id use the . 020 over head gasket,and get the block o ringed. I have a . 020 thicker head gasket,and the block O ringed and its been holding great. I got it done at ADT,i think they got the head gasket and head studs from PDR .