Head Gasket is out, what is next??

[mb7]

I decided to do a head gasket swap on my 1986 mercruiser 3.0 and this is what I found.....
* the pistons walls are good no scratches
* two valves it is not sitting good
* the head gasket is stainless
* the push rod aren't bent
* every valve has a tan color except the ones are not sitting right
* has more carbon on the top of the valves

I have the manual for my engine

Is it a better Head Gasket? Or any Brand should work (sierra, glm, stainless or not....) I've seen some black ones...
How should I clean the heads?
Gasket should go dry or some type sealant?
What should i check while the engine is apart?

Sorry, I am still learning ......

Thanks

 

[Alterd88]

Re: Head Gasket is out, what is next??

I tried the sierra gasket on one of my buddy's 3.0. Sounds like your having the same problem I did. The valve on the rear cylinder were pitted and out of seat so I had the head rebuilt. Valves reseated, resurfaced, resealed. Come to find out he had a cracked block so I was kinda pissed all that work to have it still bogg out in the water. so have the heads checked out before going any further. I would have done a pressure check coolant and all to make sure no leaks on the block, heads, intake, exhaust. But with the heads off it makes it hard to pressure check it.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Head Gasket is out, what is next??

Have a valve job done, install hardened exhaust seats. Any doubt, go with the OEM Mercruisre head gasket. Have them tank and magnaflux the head. Just some ideas, and we are ALL still learning.