Head Gasket Question (in the middle of changing)

[stealth]

So I get the head off this weekend and examine the headgasket. First it's metal and that shocks me after closer examination it doesn't look bad or damaged. Is it possible for the head to be so warped that that causes a bhg and not the actual gasket blowing? I'm thinking about reusing this meatal gasket because I was just going to replace it with a stocker and arp studs. Hope this makes sense.

 

[JustAnotherVictim]

Get your head checked.

 

[stealth]

Get your head checked.

Thanks, but you didn't answer my question. I bought another head already. I had it machined/tested. I was just wonder about the head gasket.

 

[JustAnotherVictim]

Include all your info first man.
Simply put yes it is possible. Although it's not a bhg in that case since your gasket would not be the problem.

 

[starscream5000]

If it's a real MHG, then both head and block will need to be flat and as smooth as possible. If there isn't any warpage on the gasket or any other visible damage, then it could be reusable. You would want to clean it off thuroughly and on all layers, then reapply a copper sealant when reinstalling. Did you have BHG already or were you taking it appart for other reasons? If it did have BHG, then you will definitely need to have the block and head straight and as smooth as possible.

 

[stealth]

It had a bhg and I was just shocked that the gasket didn't look damaged. It was smoking and spitting water out the exhauset pretty bad. How can you check the gasket? Is there somewhere in the TRSM to check the specs or something?

 

[Shytheed Dumas]

Considering how much work goes into doing a HG job right, is it worth it to save a few bucks and risk having to rip it apart again? I know money can be tight, but there's no way I would risk it. Just my .02.

 

[mattjk]

yeah, first thing I would do is get the head hot tanked and sonic tested. then thoroughly clean the block and check it for cracks.

 

[starscream5000]

It had a bhg and I was just shocked that the gasket didn't look damaged. It was smoking and spitting water out the exhauset pretty bad. How can you check the gasket? Is there somewhere in the TRSM to check the specs or something?

There is nothing in the TSRM on how to check for a reusable HG since the stock ones are composite and need to be replaced every time. Basically what you are looking for is a straight, non warped MHG with the rings around each cylinder and water jacket straight and not bent,smashed, warped, etc. If one is, I wouldn't recomend reusing it...

 

[stealth]

I don't think I'll reuse it. Thanks for the help guys.

 

[gtsfirefighter]

If it's a real MHG, then both head and block will need to be flat and as smooth as possible. If there isn't any warpage on the gasket or any other visible damage, then it could be reusable. You would want to clean it off thuroughly and on all layers, then reapply a copper sealant when reinstalling. Did you have BHG already or were you taking it appart for other reasons? If it did have BHG, then you will definitely need to have the block and head straight and as smooth as possible.

Read this.
http://www.supramania.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29335

 

[starscream5000]

^ been there, done that, I suggest you read it, I'm there on the first page .

Is there something specific you are hinting at?

 

[2543arvin]

^ been there, done that, I suggest you read it, I'm there on the first page .

Is there something specific you are hinting at?

I think hes referring to you suggesting to use a copper sealant in one of your previous posts.