Board logo

Blacktop Head Gasket
Ron Lang - 9/4/17 at 04:13 PM

Does anyone have any words of wisdom regarding head gasket replacement on the 2.0 blacktop? Following a coolant leak on a track day (not me I might add!), it looks like the head gasket has gone. I have no idea if it needs a skim until I have it apart.

Should I just skim it anyway? I'm assuming it will be nigh on impossible for me to diagnose a warped head unless it's really bad (which it isn't as it is still running, just about).

Also, while I have it apart, what else should I check for damage and what performance mods should I consider while I have the opportunity?

tr7v8 - 9/4/17 at 04:36 PM

Good straight edge & skinny feeler gauge with a bright light will tell if its flat, if in doubt wazz it down an engineering shop to check.
Personally I skim 'em all as it gives a nice clean surface for the new headgasket. Check the exhaust manifold & its surface as well.
Make sure the block is nice & clean as well.
Worth recutting the valve seats & checking the valve guides & springs whilst you're at it. New valve oil seals (if it uses them) will stop it smoking. Obviously check the bores whilst the head is off.

Ron Lang - 9/4/17 at 05:04 PM

I should have said that the engine has only done 4K miles. Would your advice still be the same?

tr7v8 - 9/4/17 at 05:25 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Ron Lang
I should have said that the engine has only done 4K miles. Would your advice still be the same?

As for skimming probably not. Worth checking & I'd scrub it with some coarse wet n dry to give a key. A specialist could tweek the head ports & seats to give some more power. Use a new cambelt, I was always taught & I believe Gates etc. say that once detensioned you shouldn't reuse it.

britishtrident - 9/4/17 at 06:17 PM

The first thing to do if work out why the gasket failed, take a good look long and hard at the cooling system layout particularly that there is sufficient by-pass circulation. By-pass ensures the thermostat open and works proplerly and the block and cylinder head warm-up more evenly .

I would strongly advise not to skim the head unless you have reason to suspect a problem with it, just check everything carefully one of the most useful low cost tools for checking for surface damage to a head is a triangular ruler it can show up damage the sometimes won't show up with precision straight edge.

Ron Lang - 9/4/17 at 06:53 PM

Seems that the cooling system had a leak and the guy driving hadn't noticed the temp going up. He's carried on driving without coolant essentially.

cliftyhanger - 10/4/17 at 07:38 AM

You need to get that head checked for flatness, if overheated it may have warped.