how many head gaskets should you replace in a year ?

[Matt60]

1.) every year at this time i go on a mountain bike trip to mountain view arkansas. each year coming home i get to replace the h/g. no different this year. i was wondering if i'm using crap gaskets, i didn't use a toyota one last time. i did have the valves done and checked for cracks last time. the truck didn't overheat while driving didn't smoke to much when up to speed, but at idle in the drive way it runs poorly. i did have 3 people gear 2 bikes on roof and some long climbs.

2.) should i just replace the gasket and stop the worry?

 

[FJ60Cam]

Are you re-torqueing the head bolts 500-1000 mi after the job?

 

[Matt60]

yep i carry one with me... i wonder if its the drive home? its all up hill all the way. i did replace the t-stat 2 weeks ago and drained all the old antifreeze, replaced the clutch on the fan last week.. bolted the motor mount?

 

[CUMAPART]

Wow?! I know you said that you had the head checked for cracks but did they deck the head? Maybe it's warped a little bit and needs a shave. It's the only thing I could think of since you say you retorque the heads. Mike

 

[Matt60]

i do believe they did check it for warpage, they also did the valves and painted it. what a deal. maybe i should just stay out of arakansas my bike also tried to fail me on the trail, it was a perfect trip....

 

[D'Animal]

Are the gaskets blowing in the same spot every time?

Do you really carry a head gasket for a trail spare?

 

[Matt60]

i carry a torque wrench in my tool box but a head gasket wouldn't be a bad thing to throw in. this is the 2nd h/g on this motor within a years time. on my last motor seemed like 2 h/g's as well but that had something todo with the radiator. my biggest problem is the little bit of ice and 20 degrees out side that seems to be the biggest killer...

 

[JohnnyC]

you need to replace the head bolts....sounds like they are weak...stretching a bit

replace the bolts and should be no more problems

 

[Matt60]

nope i haven't tried that yet, but it has been on my mind. i do torque head bolts to 99lbs from the center out. i'm thinking about using the toyota gasket this time, no i'm going to use it unless any one has something better...

 

[grant5127]

The condition of the mating deck surface of the block is another area to be concerned with.....

 

[JohnnyC]

The condition of the mating deck surface of the block is another area to be concerned with.....

true....the 1st time you blew the HG it mayhave warped the head...i would have it checked and if its bad have it decked

 

[Tvaldriz]

I believe you when you say that you replace the headgaskets that
often, but I would definately want to sort out why, if it were my
rig.

 

[Matt60]

i would like to know too. this is my 2nd 2f motor i don't think it has any one thing doing it other than some hard hi-way driving.

 

[cruiser88]

Dam i say


Also why the head is off check the block surface to insure it is within spec (flat). Almost unheard of that the top of the block could be warped but it is worth a check.


But i am leaning that new head bolts are in order

No worries

 

[Matt60]

i've never let the temp get out of control, by that it hasn't pegged into the red. do you use a straight edge to check the top of block? thats what i've done in the past but don't know the correct procedure.

 

[cruiser88]

Machined flat bar so yes ....a non Chinese made straight would work fine for a quick glance. Move it around alot......but i really dought your block is warped....heck a f motor if my memory has not failed me was allowed 6 thousands of a inch.

 

[FJ40Jim]

Cheap headgasket problems

Note the significant differences between the aftermarket HG and the genuine Toyota (on left). Don't fall for the BS from vendors that the cheapo gasket is OE toyota 'cause it's made in Japan.

The Toyota gasket has these additional features:

• Copper crush rings around pushrod holes
• copper crushring around oil transfer slot
• silicon sealer bead outside of pushrod holes
• steel reinforcement around dowel hole (bottom left)
• contiguous steel fire ring
• additional steel leafspring reinforcement between cylinders
• much larger firering
• Surfaced w/ Felpro graphlex material
• steam holes in correct locations

 

[Matt60]

thanks jim there is no question now on what to use. should i coat the new gasket with any thing in your opinion? i did use an aerosol copper coat on the last one. i think it was a stone kit? don't remember. again thanks

 

[cruiser88]

That is a huge difference

 

[grant5127]

Felpro gaskets have the added protection also.....it would be a good idea to have your torque wrench evaluated, just to be sure....