I am replacing the head gasket on my 62 for the second time in 8k miles and want to do it right this time. I used a Felpro gasket last time and did not re-torque the head bolts. I don't know if that's what made it fail or if there is a bigger issue. Here's what i know:
1.Leak down test had no leaks on #4, 5, or 6, but definitely #2. I stopped there.
2.Compression numbers are all over the place (see pic), but wet compression numbers are not significantly higher, so I don't think it's the rings. Cylinder walls still have great looking hash marks without any unwanted scoring.
3. Plugs 4, 5, & 6 are all white and the bottom of the valves are as well. See pic
4. Plugs 1, 2 & 3 are dark and cruddy with #2 definitely having coolant on it.
5. Until a day or so before pulling the head apart, i was having no power issues, but i was running hot and had no leaks, so i knew that the gasket was going/ gone.
Questions:
1. Is there a significant difference between Felpro and OEM gaskets?
2. If the head was just decked 8k miles ago, is it likely to need it again?
3. I've seen posts about tapping the galley plug. Is this needed on the 3fe?
4. What else should i do to it while i have it apart. My vac hoses and coolant lines are all relatively new.
5. Am i missing anything that the pics are showing?
1.Leak down test had no leaks on #4, 5, or 6, but definitely #2. I stopped there.
2.Compression numbers are all over the place (see pic), but wet compression numbers are not significantly higher, so I don't think it's the rings. Cylinder walls still have great looking hash marks without any unwanted scoring.
3. Plugs 4, 5, & 6 are all white and the bottom of the valves are as well. See pic
4. Plugs 1, 2 & 3 are dark and cruddy with #2 definitely having coolant on it.
5. Until a day or so before pulling the head apart, i was having no power issues, but i was running hot and had no leaks, so i knew that the gasket was going/ gone.
Questions:
1. Is there a significant difference between Felpro and OEM gaskets?
2. If the head was just decked 8k miles ago, is it likely to need it again?
3. I've seen posts about tapping the galley plug. Is this needed on the 3fe?
4. What else should i do to it while i have it apart. My vac hoses and coolant lines are all relatively new.
5. Am i missing anything that the pics are showing?
Off to the interwebs...