How to "prep" the head and block?

[Blkdawdg]

I got the head off of my engine and I'm wondering what I need to do to prep the head and block to make sure this doesn't happen again. Any ideas or pointers?



Also I'm using a head gasket off of a 12-valve, so I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[HVAC]

O-ringing is the best way to prevent further problems IMO.

 

[Blkdawdg]

WHAT?

Explain for "Mr. Stupid" (that would be me) what "o-ringing" is?

 

[HVAC]

Did You Try To PM Me Recently?

Black,



O-ringing isn't new by any stretch. It's used on high compression gasser heads most frequently. It's also used in very small numbers on diesels. You know the smoker tractors run up to 200 psi. That will tax your cylinder heads ability to seal.

O-ringing is where we cut a . 039 groove on the deck surface. Then we fit a . 041 SS wire into the groove to hold the gases from blowing past.



I just purchased the tool to cut the groove in the deck surface. With twin turbos it's a must.

 

[Blkdawdg]

Where?

Do you think that a machine shop could do something like this? I need my truck to be put back together by tomorrow so this would have to be done quickly.



Yes I tried to PM you today and I also talked to you on the phone today.

 

[csutton7]

'dawdg---I think the ring is cut into the block not the head--correct me if I'm wrong HVAC---If it's the case your toast on getting it done, but if I'm wrong you might get lucky--looks like ya got some phone time for tomorrow---how's the BG holding out???..... chris

 

[Don M]

BD,



I made sure the head was very clean and used a good lacquer thinner to get every last little bit of grease off.

The head bolt holes that hold the rocker assembly on will have alot of oil in them. Suck that oil out real good. If not the oil will push out onto the deck and can cause a failure.

The deck has to be very, very clean. I used some 2000 grit sandpaper to clean it up after i scraped off every last bit of rust, oily stuff, etc.

Wipe the entire block sealing area with a bunch of thinner.



I remove the hood. It makes it much easier to get the head back on without having to worry about scraping across the new gasket. I did not have a hoist to install the head. Me and a friend lowered it down and made sure the head was going down nice and flat.



I used a good tap on the bolt holes and ran a die over the short bolts that are towards the exhaust side.

Super clean is the key.

With your propane system, the thicker head gasket might be a good idea.



If HVAC will help you on the o-ringing that sounds real cool.



I will do that as well next time.



Don~

 

[BPINE]

O ringing the block and head is not something that simple, You need to cut the block and a receiver grove in the head as well. I'm pretty sure you would want the engine dissembled for this.

 

[Sled Puller]

I would definately go with new bolts.

And at least get the head checked for warp and surface if needed.

Clean those threads in the block out!