hi,

my sapp had a blown head gasket.... can i just replace the gasket or must i do a complete overhaul with new piston/ ring and all the seal and bearing?


thanks

 

depends how bad its gone. id at least get the head checked if its ok just bang a gasket on it or if your using a multi layer id definately get the head skimmed

 

Replacing a head gasket is a small job, rebuilding the engine is not!

 

Any idea why it went? With the head off you can check down the bores to be sure that everything else below is OK. I've blown a couple in my time and the fan fuse was to blame. The car overheated when the fans didn't cut in!!

As the fuse box melted I now have an overide switch. Was this your problem or did it just let go and how?

Andy

 

not sure what is the problem.. just got the car and notice there is a lot of somke when the boost comes in and also water ghast out from the header tank cap... took the head out and found the gasket was gone...

 

Use a group a gasket, as this is more forgiving of a less than perfect mating face/s.
tabetha

 

i had order a cometic head gasket and its on the way ...so does it mean i need a skim if i use the cometic HG?

 

You need to check the surface for flatness mate - even then I would consider pulling the cams off and getting it refaced slightly. Mine was done with the valves still in and then cleaned out ready for new followers etc.

Is that what you would do Tab?

 

that would be a top overhaul am i right? so its ok that i leave the block alone.. are they any area that i need to check out for ....

 

Just a really good scrape and clean, of the block surface.
tabetha

 

Take a good look down the bores and look for any scraping damage or a serious step at the top where the rings are at their highest. Just worth looking while you have it all on view really. Piston crowns too, any lean running or detonation problems will usually be pretty obvious to spot. Wipe the tops with an oily rag but don't drop anything down there of course.
Most likely all will be well but why not check and ask if you are unsure - much easier when it is apart of course

 

i am trying not to take the engine apart if its not necessary just to save cost.. but if i have to take it apart than i might as well change all the gaskets/bearing and maybe a set of cosworth stock piston with ARP headbolt...

 

I didn't mean take it apart - just turn it over and take a peek down the bores. ARP headbolts dont stretch btw and there are various opinions on here about them. Some even say standard (new) headbolts are best!

 

Hmmmm thats's interesting... i do have a set of std headbolt somewhere...