Head Gasket

[J.Todd]

Hello Forum members. Just joined but have reading the posts for some time and have not seen a problem quite like mine. I have a 1986 Searay with a 140 hp engine that I could not get to idle properly. Noticed that the carb was leaking gas into the ports after shut off. I rebuilt it, but it still not fix the problem. After I hauld it out for winter storage, I decided to do a compression check. I found no compression in #2 and very little in #3. I checked with my mechanic and he told me I had valve problems or the timing gear was worn. After removing the head, I found out that I had a blown head gasket between #2 and #3 cylinders. 2 questions.1- Should I just replace the gasket or go the whole way and have the head milled and the valves done. As you guys know it is an old engine and I don't want to put too much stress on the bottom end. 2- What is the best way to plug the rod holes when I clean off the surface of the engine block. Any suggestions greatly appreciated. Thanks. J. Todd

 

[Bondo]

Re: Head Gasket

Hello Forum members. Just joined but have reading the posts for some time and have not seen a problem quite like mine. I have a 1986 Searay with a 140 hp engine that I could not get to idle properly. Noticed that the carb was leaking gas into the ports after shut off. I rebuilt it, but it still not fix the problem. After I hauld it out for winter storage, I decided to do a compression check. I found no compression in #2 and very little in #3. I checked with my mechanic and he told me I had valve problems or the timing gear was worn. After removing the head, I found out that I had a blown head gasket between #2 and #3 cylinders. 2 questions.1- Should I just replace the gasket or go the whole way and have the head milled and the valves done. As you guys know it is an old engine and I don't want to put too much stress on the bottom end. 2- What is the best way to plug the rod holes when I clean off the surface of the engine block. Any suggestions greatly appreciated. Thanks. J. Todd

Ayuh,.... Usually when that happens the head, and/ or the block is eroded, 'n trashed...
It Has to be Perfectly Smooth at the gasket sealin' surfaces...

 

[Fordiesel69]

Re: Head Gasket

You must use a true straight edge to see if the head is erroded, if it is then it must be milled. If the block is erroded I think a max of 0.003 you will be ok. Overall from one end to another it can be 0.007, but absolutly not between the cylinders that blew thru.

Get the valves done now & also new seals so you don;t drip oil down the stems.

Use a good head gasket.

 

[achris]

Re: Head Gasket

.... I found no compression in #2 and very little in #3. I checked with my mechanic and he told me I had valve problems or the timing gear was worn. ...

My first though when I read this was 'head gasket blown between those two cylinders'.... When I read what your (ex?)mechanic said, I thought 'What???!'

Getting the head and working properly will not put extra stress on the bottom end, it will just make your engine more efficient.

The other guys have told you about the head, but you asked one more question they overlooked. I would plug the pushrod holes with small pieces of rag. Then, when your done, just gently pull the rags out, no crap in the oil .

Chris........