Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Head Gasket Woes.......

[ronco]

Last December, I blew the head gasket in my truck. To make a long story shorter, it was replaced with a marine gasket and the head was o-ringed and faced. Last week, I installed a 4 inch exhaust system and took the truck for a spin. Yesterday, the head gasket blew out again. I was making more boost than my 35 pound gauge would show, but I still have the stock WH1 turbo, so there was not a great deal of boost. At the suggestion of someone, I checked the torque on the head bolts and the first one seemed ok. My book says 66 or 89 ft. lbs, depending on bolt length, then an additional 90* of rotation. Can someone tell me what kind of torque that amounts to?



I can pull the head off and have it checked for flatness and cracks. My biggest question is, what head gasket do I need to use and where do I get it? The mechanic I used before has apparently left town for some shady business dealings, so I cannot reach him.



Also, If someone knowledgeable could PM me with a contact phone number, I would certainly appreciate it. I would like to briefly discuss what happened. TIA



Ronco

 

[Bandit1]

call piers he will put you on the correct gasket, plus have that head pressure tested HOT. mine had a crack that wouldnt show up until the motor was hot and we found that out after it was put back together, mine was tested to 100lbs and not leaks but heat it up a bit and she leaked. also if you dont have studs get them, the stock head bolts stretch and where there is one weak point even thousanths of an inch is plenty or are you sure that the correct wire was used and correct placement of the oring. just some things that i have heard and you need to consider, hope it works out.