Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Headgasket

[Andy Redmond]

I've changed many a t-stat that looked like that. Usually they were stuck open (by the rubber bushing) in the winter and someone wanted some cab heat. Most have been on 96 or 97 vintage 12v's with the auto trans.



I second Jim, be cautious should you use scotch brite on the air "buffer" angle/die grinder/polisher.



I use lacquer thinner and scotch brite pads by hand and Joe's trick of mucking the bolt holes with q-tips. Then wiping each cylinder down and some air at the end to assure no crud is laying on top of the psiton rings.

The block is a time saver Jim, good idea.



Our heads are also prone to cracking valve seat inserts (97-98 heads seem to be best for not having this prob), so I would have a head magnafluxed, and a valve job (new stem seals any way). Usually the guides are ok.



Check the head for flatness, I installed a new head recently that was off . 012, it promptly ate a new gasket (now I ck. new parts too). Fortunately the vendor comped the head machining, then the casting cracked near a bolt hole about 5000 mi later. Then a new head. . don't believe in Mr. Murphy? Then I'll send him to your place for a while. Ah-hh come on its fun to work for free and practice to see how fast you can change a gasket.



Josh knows about Murphy I bet! Anyhow, hope she doesn't leak anymore.



Andy

 

[JoshPeters]

Well... . it's all back together... . Working for free... . I am my own warranty station! I could have/should have gotten the head checked, but due to time constraints I didn't get it done. I hope it doesn't leave me stranded! I do plan on fire-ringing it in the spring (read Tax Return check ) so I just need to get my wheels back on the road.



One thing it sounds like I should do... . well today... . is do a 90* on the short bolts and the Rocker tower bolts? I torqued them, but no 90*.



I just got home with it, it runs the smoothist is has since I have owned the truck! I'm going to drive it nice till I get back from Chicago next week. Then I'll be back to driving it like I stole it!



Josh

 

[1dslram]

The . 020 Marine gasket is for the "O" rings. I won,t put a head back on without ARP studs and having the head "O" ringed. It just isn,t worth it to do less, the labor to R&R the head and all the cleanup to do a proper job. Just retapping the head bolt holes and cleaning them properly takes 1 1/2 -2 hours. If it is your own labor you can decide if you want to do it again as the parts are only about $250. 00. Of course while you are there the cam is easy to get at and a lot easier to replace with the head off.

Bruce

 

[JoshPeters]

. If it is your own labor you can decide if you want to do it again as the parts are only about $250. 00.

Bruce

OK so where do I get the Studs for that price?!?





Normally I would agree, but there is no way I could afford to do the job "Right" at this time. As soon as someone buys my Polaris 2000 XC 500 Sp I'll be fire ringing it.



Josh

 

[JoshPeters]

Josh knows about Murphy I bet! Anyhow, hope she doesn't leak anymore.



Andy

Well Murphy must be living at my place... . last night I rechecked everything... went to a local bar... 90 mile round trip... . I check my overflow today... . full..... pull the radiator cap..... that's weird... that doesn't look right... check it with a flashlight..... I TRIED TO BY-PASS THE CUSSING FILTER!!! Oil in the coolant. I'm gonna go torque the small bolts that extra 90*, flush the cooling system and see what happens. Hopefully it'll reaseal and I won't have any problems. With my luck... and Mr Murphy around... . you can bet I'll be doing another headgasket this week.



Josh

 

[1dslram]

The ARP stud kit from Piers is $399. 00, "O" ringing is about $300. 00. You add the headgasket, thermostat, thermostat "O" rings, belt, intake gaskets about $250. 00. The added $700. 00 over a quick job is alot of money but you only need to do it once if you bombed truck.



Josh if you reused the stock studs they are most likely your problem being over streached. I hope not for your sake.

Bruce

 

[JoshPeters]

The ARP stud kit from Piers is $399. 00, "O" ringing is about $300. 00. You add the headgasket, thermostat, thermostat "O" rings, belt, intake gaskets about $250. 00. The added $700. 00 over a quick job is alot of money but you only need to do it once if you bombed truck.



Josh if you reused the stock studs they are most likely your problem being over streached. I hope not for your sake.

Bruce

My first headgasket was with new head bolts. My second may be with the new/300mile used bolts. I am currently looking for the specs on the ammount of streach they can have.



Josh

 

[HoleshotHolset]

I keep reminding Josh that it's okay to heat up the credit card for expenses like this. If there's not enough room on them... call 'em up and have 'em raise the limit!



Matt - not in much credit card debt and hopefully never will be.