how many head gaskets should you replace in a year ?

[bigbrown]

i had to replace two headgaskets this year also. i had mine undertorqued the second time but i'm thinking the cheapo HG i ordered from MAF was not very forgiving.

this time it's 97lbs. and a OEM gasket.

 

[FJ40Jim]

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

Have you been able to get the FelPro Japan OEM headgasket from Felpro USA?

I've ordered several headsets and complete overhaul kits from Felpro over the last 10 years and always get something like the "Stone" crap that everyone else sells.

 

[Matt60]

so the 60 dollar felpro wouldn't be a bad choice?

 

[candograge]

we must have missed something ....we read the post and "animal" asked if it was blown in the same spot ??? was it ???? let us know

 

[Matt60]

i'm getting ready to go out and pull it, i hate to say i don't remember the exact spot it blew last time. machine shop said they could have it back to me in a day if i get it there in the morning. my biggest problem now is locating a h/g that isn't 182.53 but that may be the price.... comfort comes with money and changing this every few months isn't uncomfortable its inconvenient....



so i'll look for the spot tonight

 

[donny paradise]

Many nation wide engine rebuilders use Felpro gaskets. Two I have contact with daily are Jasper and AER

 

[Matt60]

well this is what i fell into, still alittle more work. the gasket was not looking so cool... the problem was right around #3

 

[grant5127]

Yea...Thats a common area to blow....same as last time??

 

[grant5127]

That is a huge difference

Yea.... note the differences in the water passage way openings..... thats the way they all looked 10 years ago before water flow was modified.......... I agree tho, that gskt on the right does look cheaply made.......

 

[donny paradise]

The cost of the gasket on the left exceeds the total combined value of the tools on the cart

 

[Fuzzy Logic]

The cost of the gasket on the left exceeds the total combined value of the tools on the cart

LOL looks like a collection from some garage sale.

 

[FJ40Jim]

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

No, install the OE type gasket naked.

 

[D'Animal]

When you retorque your head, are you removing the valve rocker arms? That is the only way to get to the center bolt. I have found that a crows foot socket wrench is not acurate. That center bolt area is where it seems to be blown.

 

[LoneRanger]

When you retorque your head, are you removing the valve rocker arms? That is the only way to get to the center bolt. I have found that a crows foot socket wrench is not acurate. That center bolt area is where it seems to be blown.

x2. good question. I was wondering about that.

 

[grant5127]

Permatex Copper Coat

If that thing was mine and all surfaces checked out ok, I wouldn't hesitate a bit to give a dose of the dope....plus jack the torque up to 107....you have to do what needs to be done in WAR!

 

[Matt60]

as far as getting all new head bolts should i think that 7.50 to 8.00 each is fair? 7.50 was local toyota dealer and 8.00 SOR.+ shipping and waiting....

 

[grant5127]

Man, I've rebuilt over 120 of these engines and never once replaced the head bolts... these are not stretch type bolts.... your reoccurring problem is else where....

 

[Matt60]

well if thats the case then you just saved me 120 american b/c its the only thing i lack to getting back to the front.

i spent about 3+ hours trying to clean the top of the block tonight, any grand tricks or just alot of razor bladz?

 

[bigbrown]

they make a scraper thingy you can buy at auto parts stores. works great. much stiffer than razors.

i gotta tell you matt. my HG blew in the same exact spot an i'm sure it's because i was too lazy to take the rocker arms off when i retightened the head bolts.

 

[Matt60]

don't tell any one but i did the get it tight as i can on the middle one with the re-torque. yes to the scraper arm i've abused it well. its nice to be able to sit in the engine bay...