Its 6 pm here and I'll be gone from 5:30 am to around 6 pm (our time) tomorrow.
Good luck!
Good luck!
HEADS OFF
- Thread starter Kiwi SRT10
- Start date
Just got back home. The head gaskets were black original multi layer steel. How archaic, I have not seen those since I was a teenager. 1960's Bedford 300ci petrol engines had them and they leaked water when cold. They have no business being on a modern engine.
Anyway new gaskets are composite and also have new bolts. Engine is real clean, even the rocker covers are clean. With my phone torch I can see the hone marks in the bores which are clean. All pistons are same colour, black, so there are no issues there. Heads are away getting skimmed at the moment. So it is all looking good. Some of the head bolts did not even need to be cracked to undo them.
Sounds like it will be better than new.
I still find it hard to believe these engines had steel head gaskets. That is out of the dark ages.
Did yours? Or is it just the real early ones like mine.
It also was factory with 17" wheels, which is why the bump stops on the front are too small.
AMS3
Full Access Member
I thought you re-torqued the heads a few months ago? Still leaking eh?
Gen iii used the black coated gaskets when assembled.
The black coated gaskets weren't available through parts *here anyway*
The uncoated head gaskets (not black) which were the only replacement head gaskets available through Mopar Parts.
Don't you worry, the multi-layered steel gaskets work just fine.
They all matter.
The black coated gaskets weren't available through parts *here anyway*
The uncoated head gaskets (not black) which were the only replacement head gaskets available through Mopar Parts.
Don't you worry, the multi-layered steel gaskets work just fine.
They all matter.
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No fancy calculations required when milling the heads.
If you remove .020" off the face (for example), remove the same amount off of the intake sealing surface.
With those thinner gaskets actually sealing, and the milled heads, your truck should run like a champ.
If you remove .020" off the face (for example), remove the same amount off of the intake sealing surface.
With those thinner gaskets actually sealing, and the milled heads, your truck should run like a champ.
Well... How does it run?
I rang this morning and he was cleaning up valves and putting new stem seals on.
He is also going to look the problematic wiring loom at rear of engine that was cooked on the headers. So that will be good too.
Nice!
I should pick up on Friday, huh hahaha pick up hahaha.
Anyway the best machine shop in town said these guys are the only ones he would let work on my truck if he owned it. Very unassuming shop and laid back guys. Only 2 guys, lot's of experience and worked on lots of race cars over the decades. You have to wait for the good workshops to fit you in. The not so flash ones can start straight away.....wonder why. I am trying to be patient....it's not working, so I am doing other things.
They are a "conventional engine with an exotic touch". I'm sure it will be worth the wait.
Glad you are using new head bolts (and BTW, a re-torque shouldn't be required).
Glad you are using new head bolts (and BTW, a re-torque shouldn't be required).
I have a bit more confidence in the new gaskets. Back in the old days we used to reuse the steel ones with a new coat of shilack.
Even the composites got a coat of aluminium paint as we had no machine shop, it was a day away. So it was a straight edge and on they went again lol
Friday (tentative pick-up date)...
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday.....
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday.....
Friday (tentative pick-up date)...
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday.....
I have picked the beast today. Been a couple of little jobs done while it was there. Re-route of injector wiring loom over top of steering column instead of under. New heat proof wrap on that as well. Plenty of header clearance now. I have been given task of driving as many times as possible over the weekend and then take her back for a check over and for the aniti freeze coolant. The engine sounds different. Quieter under the hood and noisier at the back. Exhaust has a smidge more crack to it and is louder when I was driving home. So far so good. I have found out this guy rallied with Hayden Paddon's dad and built Haydens first rally cars and crewed for him. Before he got the Hyundai Team Drive. Anyway off to watch some more Kiwis winning gold medals lol. So many of them I don't get much time for anything else.
Your coolant will he happy it's not dealing with combustion; and your radiator doesn't have to blow bubbles anymore.
The catch can goop (I think you have one, I forget, will change colour too).
Louder out the back is a good sign and it might even get louder once that "coolant cushion" inside your exhaust system burns off.
Some people say normal is boring.
Not in this case.
Have fun with your "new and improved" rig!!
The catch can goop (I think you have one, I forget, will change colour too).
Louder out the back is a good sign and it might even get louder once that "coolant cushion" inside your exhaust system burns off.
Some people say normal is boring.
Not in this case.
Have fun with your "new and improved" rig!!
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There were no combustion leaks or sharing of engine fluids. It was just leaking coolant out the rear of the head and leaving annoying small puddles on the garage floor
How much did they take off the heads; or was it just a trueing cut?
20 thou. There was no fretting either, except on my part.
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